Fan In Van

Bieksa Moose-bound

It looks more and more evident that Kevin Bieksa’s return is no longer week-to-week, but day-to-day. Canuck fans were confirmed of this when the Moose broadcast on CJOB announced that Bieksa was being assigned to the AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose for a conditioning stint. He will most likely be paired with Moose veteran Maxime Fortunus during the stint.

Not only did Kevin Bieksa seem optimistic during the last few skates, the fact that he smiled when Scott Oake asked him when he’d be returning is some good body language on Bieksa’s behalf. Bieksa looks more and more ready to play, having participated in a handful of team practices including a whole practice.

By my own early estimates, I could see Kevin Bieksa returning just after the NHL’s February 26th trade deadline for a crucial game against the Colorado Avalanche. His return alone could be the best trade deadline acquisition the Canucks could make.