Canucks Sign Kevin Bieksa to Five-Year Contract

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Kevin Bieksa to a five-year contract extension worth $23 million. The deal will average out to $4.6 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 66 games last season, Bieksa had six goals and 16 assists for 22 points and 73 penalty minutes. He missed 15 games with a broken foot. He also added five goals and five assists for 10 points and 51 penalty minutes in 25 playoff games. This is an excellent signing for the Canucks, as Bieksa has emerged as one of the top defenseman on the team over the past couple seasons. He plays with lots of grit and toughness, has some offensive ability, and has a decent shot from the point. With Bieksa now under contract, the Canucks will likely turn their attention to re-signing some depth players and perhaps replacing defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, who will likely test the free agent market on Friday.