Anaheim Ducks: Kevin Bieksa Should Return to the Organization

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 21: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Anaheim Ducks dumps the puck during the game against the San Jose Sharks on January 21, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 21: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Anaheim Ducks dumps the puck during the game against the San Jose Sharks on January 21, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Kevin Bieksa’s days as an NHL player are over, but that doesn’t mean he can’t return to the Anaheim Ducks in a different capacity.

After a less than stellar performance during the 2017-18 season, the Anaheim Ducks decided to part ways with UFA veteran defenseman, Kevin Bieksa. With all of the up and coming prospects waiting to make their big break into the NHL, this was a smart move for the organization. Unfortunately, Bieksa struck out in free agency and has spent the past season without a team.

Admirably, he never lost sight of the possibility that he would make his NHL return in 2019-20. However, here we are, and Bieksa still finds himself on the outside looking in. It may be time for him to finally come to terms with reality, hang up his skates, and consider that his retirement is overdue.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for him in the NHL! He had an impressive 13-year career between the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks, and while his time as a player is up, that doesn’t mean he can’t make a comeback to the NHL in a different, but equally as exciting, capacity.

The Media Man

During his time with the Anaheim Ducks, Kevin Bieksa became well known not just for his hockey skills, but his personality. He has charisma, his personality shines, and he is absolutely hilarious. That, paired with his incredible knowledge of the game, is the perfect recipe for an NHL broadcaster.

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After he returned from the Spengler Cup, Bieksa had his broadcasting debut. His commentary was smooth but he also provided a sense of comic relief. During the All-Star weekend, he also made an appearance as a guest reporter, providing exclusive interviews for the event.

Bieksa’s personality shines in front of a camera. He doesn’t give into using the cliche lingo, is honest, and entertaining. There is no doubt that he is meant for a job like this, whether it’s with the Anaheim Ducks or another NHL team altogether. Nevertheless, going into the 2019-20 season, Ducks fans could use a jokester like Bieksa to spark joy in the media.

The Ducks already have a fantastic broadcasting team. However, after a devastating season like last year, they didn’t have the boldness to step out and do or say something that could soften the blow. Laughter is the best medicine, in my opinion. Why not give someone like Bieksa the opportunity to make us laugh in the midst of a season that is currently stacked with a lot of unknowns?

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