Pierre LeBrun reminded me today of the story of how Kevin Bieksa found himself signed by Brian Burke of the Vancouver Canucks back in 2004.

Here’s Burke’s story (which I originally posted on this page back in 2007):

“He’s in there, having a good time, and he bumps the table of another of our kids, Fedor Fedorov. [...] Well, one thing leads to another, and Fedorov, a pretty good-sized kid [6 foot 3 inches, 230 pounds], asks Bieksa if he wants to take it outside. So, Bieksa’s a willing kid, and says, ‘Sure, let’s go!’”

Out to the parking lot the two went, and according to Burke, Bieksa KO’d the bigger Fedorov with one punch.

“Down and out!” recalled Burke. “The next day, I’m talking to [assistant GM Steve Tambellini], and I guess Bieksa was all worried about it, saying to Tamby, “Oh, geez, I’m all done, Burkie’s going to be really [steamed], I show up and knock out one of his own guys.’ I listen to Tamby and I say, ‘Are you kidding me? I love that. Sign him—today!’