Traded this summer to the Anaheim Ducks, it appears as though commentary on the career of Kevin Bieksa from this point will be almost exclusively reflective in nature.

Given this, we’ve a constant body of work with which to observe when assigning Bieksa’s place among the all-time greats along the Canucks blue line. Frankly, it’s an impressive resume which spans a decade and includes some awesome memories along the way.

Kevin Bieksa generally saved his best for the postseason:

This goal, for example, probably should’ve held up as the series winner (were it not for the whims of fate):

Crying emoji:

No one will forget this goal anytime soon, certainly our pal Wyatt Arndt won’t:

Kevin Bieksa playoff breakaway goal? Kevin Bieksa playoff breakaway goal:

An admirable cause close to our heart:

Bieksa’s legacy as a Canuck will extend well beyond his reach on the ice. Given his ability to anchor arguably one of the best pairings in the league over a two-year span, this is a compliment of the tallest order.

One of the better interviews in the history of this franchise, Bieksa often spoke to reporters as if they were just another guy in the room. It seems a strange thing to remark on, but given hockey culture and the dangers one can incur when straying from “110%” or “Get pucks deep and hard work stuff” it’s a rarity that I think wasn’t appreciated nearly enough during his time as a Canuck. Hell, Bieksa seemed almost human at times. 

And while it’s easy enough to forget the moments that left a smile on our face or elicited the odd giggle, Bieksa’s work to promote mental health awareness has left a lasting, if sobering impact on hockey culture and the city of Vancouver in particular. 

Upon losing his best friend and former teammate, Rick Rypien, Bieksa dedicated a sizable portion of the season thereafter to a project titled “Mind Check” in partnership with the Canucks. The website was designed with the purpose of promoting mental health awareness and offering an outlet for people who struggled with their own demons. 

Bieksa’s overtime goal to send Vancouver to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final is probably the first thing that jumps to mind when scanning for memories, but his work with Mind Check that will leave the largest footprint. 

As a player, Bieksa was the type of heart and soul guy that can resonate with casual and hardcore fans alike. He was long a vocal member of the Canucks leadership group and always stuck up for his group on the ice, never shying away from fisticuffs. He was a physically imposing defender, with a nasty snarl to match…