Friedman: Bieksa only willing to sign in or near California

[Daximus]

Because no one will actually read the link. Quite clear about why.

8. Kevin Bieksa said Tuesday that he was talking to an NHL team as recently as two weeks ago about something for this season, but ultimately said no because it meant living alone too far from his family. “My wife (Katie) is very supportive about me playing if I want to. Same with my father and my brothers. Saying no was not their decision. But being away from my children at this time in their lives is not something I’m interested in at this point in their lives.”
His son is turning 11, his daughter nine. He’s taking them to school every day, attending their extra-curricular pursuits, happy to be a dad. “I’m not retired, but it would have to be something close to home (California).”
9. Asked if he was still training, Bieksa answered. “Yes, as if I was going to play.” He’s scheduled to compete in what is called a Spartan obstacle race next month in Dallas. It’s a four-mile run with more than 20 obstacles. “I’m still in better shape than 95 per cent of the players and 100 per cent of the media.”

He had me up until "I'm still in better shape than 95 per cent of players." Yeah maybe in his local senior league.

 

[dracom]

He had me up until "I'm still in better shape than 95 per cent of players." Yeah maybe in his local senior league.

He's talking about the players in the Spartan race right? because maybe I could see why he would think that, but he can't be talking about nhl players... right?

 

[WhatTheDuck]

He had me up until "I'm still in better shape than 95 per cent of players." Yeah maybe in his local senior league.

I'm pretty sure that line was just to set up the ensuing dig at the media.

 

[Guardian452]

He had me up until "I'm still in better shape than 95 per cent of players." Yeah maybe in his local senior league.

When he was with the Canucks, the only players who performed better on the fitness tests were the Sedins.

 

[Devilsrock17]

I only see Arizona and I'm picking Los Angeles just because he would be good depth

 

[pbgoalie]

Not the Gulls, I like watching them

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Ducks opting to sign Luke Schenn to replace Bieksa says a lot about Kevin's abilities.

 

[Drew311]

What a blow to the rest of the league.

 

[KingsHockey24]

I'm sure he's made plenty of friends on the Sharks and Kings..

 

[Choralone]

Bakersfield is in California.

And so is Stockton.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

Plenty of 35+ men’s leagues in Cali now

 

[Brodeur]

I'm sure he's made plenty of friends on the Sharks and Kings..

The Canucks thought they had a deal worked out with the Sharks for Bieksa at the 2015 Draft. If I recall correctly, San Jose was going to send the 39th pick to Vancouver. It got to the point where Bieksa and his wife were checking out homes in San Jose.

San Jose traded up from the 39th spot to take Jeremy Roy at #31. They tried to circle back and offered a 2016 2nd round pick instead, but I think Vancouver's management was a little upset thinking they already had a deal in place. A few days later, Vancouver opted to deal Bieksa to Anaheim for their 2016 2nd round pick instead.

I'd imagine San Jose wouldn't be interested now, but apparently they were not too long ago.

 

[trellaine201]

Being not good and limiting yourself to like 3-5 teams is not a great business strategy. I get it though. He’s played lots of years and wants to retire in California. Can’t blame him for that.

Good pay for a year or two in the warm climate . His passion to win are over. It’s the pay cheque and nice weather .

 

[Seachd]

Because no one will actually read the link. Quite clear about why.

8. Kevin Bieksa said Tuesday that he was talking to an NHL team as recently as two weeks ago about something for this season, but ultimately said no because it meant living alone too far from his family. “My wife (Katie) is very supportive about me playing if I want to. Same with my father and my brothers. Saying no was not their decision. But being away from my children at this time in their lives is not something I’m interested in at this point in their lives.”
His son is turning 11, his daughter nine. He’s taking them to school every day, attending their extra-curricular pursuits, happy to be a dad. “I’m not retired, but it would have to be something close to home (California).”
9. Asked if he was still training, Bieksa answered. “Yes, as if I was going to play.” He’s scheduled to compete in what is called a Spartan obstacle race next month in Dallas. It’s a four-mile run with more than 20 obstacles. “I’m still in better shape than 95 per cent of the players and 100 per cent of the media.”

Well obviously. I'm pretty sure, reading the article or not, people would guess that family is the reason.

But everyone is correct in that it will pretty much be impossible to get a job.

 

[belair]

Because no one will actually read the link. Quite clear about why.

8. Kevin Bieksa said Tuesday that he was talking to an NHL team as recently as two weeks ago about something for this season, but ultimately said no because it meant living alone too far from his family. “My wife (Katie) is very supportive about me playing if I want to. Same with my father and my brothers. Saying no was not their decision. But being away from my children at this time in their lives is not something I’m interested in at this point in their lives.”
His son is turning 11, his daughter nine. He’s taking them to school every day, attending their extra-curricular pursuits, happy to be a dad. “I’m not retired, but it would have to be something close to home (California).”
9. Asked if he was still training, Bieksa answered. “Yes, as if I was going to play.” He’s scheduled to compete in what is called a Spartan obstacle race next month in Dallas. It’s a four-mile run with more than 20 obstacles. “I’m still in better shape than 95 per cent of the players and 100 per cent of the media.”

Welcome to the Gulls, Kevin. Dallas Eakins is always looking for another biking buddy.

 

[BLONG7]

The guy is a legend in his own mind.............should be able to retire at this point...no one really cares about this guy. Be a family guy and stop whining about it Kev.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

The guy is a legend in his own mind.............should be able to retire at this point...no one really cares about this guy. Be a family guy and stop whining about it Kev.

Where is the whining?

 

[north49er]

I thought he was retired lol

He just plays like he is......

 

[HanSolo]

Good luck with that, Kev.

 

[BLONG7]

Where is the whining?

The fact that he needed to go public with it, to make himself look like a good guy................who says he is in better shape than 95% of the rest of the guys who actually are playing................

The guy thinks he is all that, and he has pretty much been a nothing his whole career and yet finds a way to be arrogant even when trying to be a nice guy.

 

[puckIuck]

bieksa is trash. he should call it a career

 

[McDonald19]

He should retire and work for the Ducks. Good guy to have around, just not out there on the ice at this point.

 

[Alberta Yote]

The Ducks opting to sign Luke Schenn to replace Bieksa says a lot about Kevin's abilities.

And the Coyotes opting to not even offer a contract to Schenn should say a lot about their desire to consider Bieksa. I hope.

 

[Leafs87]

It’s like one week before opener pretty sure any team that may have wanted his services would of called by now.

This is like a homeless guy being picky on what donation food he eats

 

[1909]

Bieksa loves the ocean and surfing. Trade him to Hawaii !