The Vancouver Canucks have traded Kevin Bieksa to the Anaheim Ducks for a 2016 2nd round draft pick.
The 34-year old Bieksa was drafted 151st overall in the fifth round of the 2001 draft by the Canucks. He carries a $4.6 million cap hit.
Thoughts from the media.
Pierre LeBrun: “Once talks broke down with Beauchemin camp this morning, Ducks and Canucks got serious on Bieksa. They spoke at draft too”
Juha Hiitela: Funny that Benning, who’s said their D depth is thin, drafted RW at 1st rnd, gave no QOs to Weber and Stanton and now traded Bieksa.
Anthony Petrielli: “So talks broke down between VAN-SJ over what year the 2nd should be exchanged for Bieska, then they flip him to ANA for 2016 2nd #ShotsFired”
Elliott Teaford: “Snarl level going up with Ducks’ addition of Kevin Bieksa. Ducks-Kings should be, um, interesting with addition of Bieksa and Milan Lucic.”
Eric Stephens: “Bob Murray has liked Bieksa, 34, for a long time. I thought interest might have faded as he aged. Obviously not.”
Jim Matheson: “Bieksa just turned 34 few days ago, Beauchemin turned 35 this month. If Beauchemin leaves as UFA, Ducks gain a year, both leaders.”
Ryan Richaug: “Lots of good young D in Anaheim, but likely losing Beaucheman, so enter Bieksa.”
General Fanager: Ducks: ($50.54M / 18 signed) … Canucks: ($63.17M / 18 signed).
Adrian Dater: “Bieksa to Ducks could be huge to Avs. Probably takes them out of running for Oduya, whom the Avs covet”