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Alexander Edler

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Alexander Edler
Alex Edler 2009a
Alex Edler in 2009.
Position Defence
Shoots Left
Height
Weight 		6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
NHL Team
F. Teams 		Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver Canucks
Born (1986-04-21)21 April 1986,
Östersund, Sweden
NHL Draft 91st overall, 2004
Vancouver Canucks
Pro Career 2003 – present

Ulf Niklas Alexander Edler (born 21 April 1986) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Vancouver Canucks. He was drafted out of Sweden's third-tier ice hockey league by the Canucks in the third round, 91st overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, and played junior ice hockey with Modo Hockey of the J20 SuperElit and the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Edler turned professional in North America with the Canucks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, in 2006–07, seeing some time in the NHL over the course of the season. Having played in games for the Canucks in 2006–07, he was the longest tenured player on the team's lineup following the retirement of the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, until the Kings acquired him in 2021. He became a full-time member of the Canucks the following season, and has since been named to one NHL All-Star Game (2012).

Internationally, Edler has competed for Sweden on four occasions: at the 2006 World Junior Championships, the 2008 and 2013 IIHF World Championships (winning gold) and the 2014 Winter Olympics (winning silver). Edler is an offensive defenceman noted for his calm on-ice demeanor and strong slapshot.

Edler is regarded as one of the best Canucks defencemen of all-time, holding franchise records for most goals, assists, and points scored by a defenceman for the Canucks.

Playing career[]

Sweden and junior (2001–2006)[]

Edler played at the under-17 level with his hometown district team of Jämtland in 2001 and 2002, competing at TV-pucken, a national Swedish tournament.[1] In 2003–04, he joined the professional Jämtlands HF. He played with the club in Sweden's third-tier league, recording three goals and nine points in 24 games, while also appearing in six games for Jämtlands HF's junior team.

Edler was largely unknown during his NHL Draft year, unranked by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau the entire season.[2] He was brought to the attention of the Vancouver Canucks by the team's head scout in Sweden, Thomas Gradin, who saw Edler playing with Jämtlands HF.[2] Although Gradin would refer to the team's level of play as little more than "beer-league-calibre",[2] he was impressed with Edler and encouraged Canucks management to draft him (Edler's number 23 with the Canucks would later be chosen by team trainers in honour of Gradin).[3] The Canucks traded up in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft to acquire the Dallas Stars' third-round draft pick in exchange for their own third-round pick in the 2005 Draft, and used the pick to select Edler 91st overall. The deal was made with the Stars in lieu of speculation that the Detroit Red Wings had a high interest in Edler and wanted to draft him in the third round as well.[2][4] Detroit had discovered Edler in Sweden through their European scout Håkan Andersson, who was responsible for such previous Red Wings late-round picks as Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.[2][5] At the time of his draft, Canucks general manager Dave Nonis described Edler as a "smooth skater and a big guy". Nonis added, "He needs some time [to develop], but in terms of raw skill, he's got quite a bit of it."[6]

After being selected by the Canucks, Gradin brokered a move for Edler to play with Modo Hockey's junior club of the J20 SuperElit.[2] Edler had previously tried-out for Modo's youth program, but was cut.[6] Future Canucks teammates Markus Näslund, Henrik Sedin, and Daniel Sedin had also played in the Modo system before joining the NHL.[2] In Edler's lone season with Modo, he recorded 8 goals and 23 points over 33 games in 2004–05. He ranked second in point-scoring among league defencemen to Modo teammate Tommy Enström, who recorded 33.[7]

On 29 June 2005, Edler's major junior rights were obtained by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL); he was chosen by Kelowna in the first round, 58th overall, of the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.[8] The Canucks encouraged Edler to move from Sweden to play junior in North America.[9] After reporting to training camp with the Canucks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, in September 2005,[10] he was assigned to junior with the Rockets. In his lone WHL season, Edler recorded 13 goals and 53 points over 62 games in 2005–06, ranking fifth among WHL defencemen and fourth among all rookies in scoring.[11][12] He went on to help Kelowna to the second round of the WHL playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Everett Silvertips.[13] In 12 post-season games, Edler added eight points.

Vancouver Canucks (2006–2021)[]

The following off-season, Edler was signed to an entry-level contract by the Canucks on 24 July 2006.[14] Reporting to the Canucks' training camp in September 2006, his play had the Canucks slotting him in as the team's seventh defenceman.[15] However, a hip injury saw him assigned to the Manitoba Moose.[15] Following an injury to Canucks defenceman Sami Salo, he was called up to the NHL on 3 November 2006, two games into his AHL season.[15][16] He made his NHL debut the following day against the Colorado Avalanche.[2] Eleven days later, he was reassigned to the Moose, only to be recalled on 24 November.[14] He scored his first NHL goal on 30 November, a slap shot that beat Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère in a 2–1 loss.[17] Edler was reassigned between Manitoba and Vancouver on several more occasions over the course of the 2006–07 season.[14] He appeared in 22 games total for the Canucks, recording a goal and two assists. With the Moose, he scored 5 goals and 26 points over 49 games and was named Manitoba's Rookie of the Year.[18]

A Caucasian ice hockey player standing with one hand gripping his stick. He wears a blue jersey with white and green trim and a blue, visored helmet.

Edler during his rookie season with the Canucks, January 2008.

Playing in his rookie season with the Canucks the following season, Edler was chosen to compete in the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game. Representing the Western Conference, his team was defeated 7–6 by the Eastern Conference.[19] Playing amidst numerous injuries on the Canucks' blueline, Edler appeared in the most games among team defencemen with 75. With all the injuries to his teammates, he was given additional time on the power play and penalty kill.[18] His eight goals ranked second among rookie defencemen in the NHL, while his 20 points was fifth overall.[20]

On October 9, 2008, at the start of the 2008–09 season, Edler signed a new four-year, $13 million contract with Vancouver.[21] The contract, a raise from his 2008–09 salary of $550,000, took effect for the 2009–10 season.[21] The following month, he missed two games sidelined with the flu.[14] Later in the season, he recorded a personal best four-point game (one goal and three assists) in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on 7 February 2009.[22] He finished with 37 points, including a career-high ten goals. In the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, Edler led all Canucks defencemen with seven points in ten games as the Canucks were eliminated in the second round by Chicago. In his first few seasons in the NHL, Edler was often paired with veteran blueliner and countryman Mattias Öhlund, who he considered a mentor for him.[23][24][25]

The following campaign, 2009–10, Edler improved to career-highs of 37 assists, first among team defencemen, and 42 points, second to Christian Ehrhoff. He missed six games near the midpoint of the campaign due to a left arm injury, sustained in December 2009.[14] In the 2010 playoffs, he added 6 points in 12 games as the Canucks were eliminated in the second round, again by the Blackhawks. Edler was injured in the sixth and deciding game of the series after opposing forward Dustin Byfuglien stepped on his right ankle after hitting him along the boards.[26] Requiring a walking cast for five weeks, he rehabilitated his ankle during the off-season.[26]

Recovering in time for the 2010–11 season, Edler continued to improve and was on pace to record new career-highs in goals, assists and points when he suffered a back injury in January 2011. Canucks general manager Mike Gillis told reporters that Edler had been experiencing tightness in his back at several times in the season, but an open-ice hit against Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn during a game on 24 January might have contributed to his back problems.[27] Edler underwent microdiscectomy surgery to relieve pressure on a herniated disk and was sidelined for 2+1⁄2 months,[28] returning for the second-last game of the regular season.[29] Finishing the season with 8 goals and 33 points over 51 games, he ranked second among team defencemen in scoring, behind Ehrhoff. His 24 minutes and 17 seconds of average ice time per game also led the Canucks.[30] As the Canucks won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in franchise history, the team entered the 2011 playoffs with the first seed in the West. Eliminating the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, the Canucks advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 17 years. Facing the Boston Bruins, the team lost the series in seven games. Following their defeat, it was revealed that several Canucks players had been playing with injuries, including Edler, who played Game 7 with two broken fingers.[31] In the playoffs, he ranked second among Canucks defencemen and third in the league overall with 11 points (2 goals and 9 assists) in 25 games.[32]

A Caucasian ice hockey player skating with gripping a hockey stick with both hands. He wears a green jersey with white and blue trim and a blue, visored helmet.

Edler practicing with the Canucks, March 2012

With the departure of Christian Ehrhoff, the Canucks' leading defensive scorer from the previous two seasons, to the Buffalo Sabres in the offseason, Edler assumed a larger role on the team's blueline in the 2011–12 season.[33] By mid-January 2012, Edler was ranked fourth among NHL defenceman in scoring with 7 goals and 24 points. That month, he was selected to his first NHL All-Star Game. He was selected to the competition alongside Canucks teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin, as well as Cody Hodgson, who was named to the rookie squad.[34] Playing for Team Alfredsson, Edler logged 21 minutes of ice time in a 12–9 loss to Team Chara.[35] Edler finished the campaign having played all 82 games for the first time in his career. He recorded personal bests and team-highs among defencemen in all major statistical categories with 11 goals, 38 assists and 49 points. League-wide, he ranked seventh among defencemen in point-scoring.[36] Out of eight attempts, his four shootout goals was first among NHL defencemen.[37] His efforts helped the Canucks to a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy. Individually, he earned four fifth-place votes for the James Norris Memorial Trophy to rank 15th overall.[38] Defending their Campbell Bowl as Western Conference champions from the previous year, the Canucks lost in the first round of the 2012 playoffs to the Los Angeles Kings. Edler recorded two goals in the five-game series.

On 18 January 2013, Edler signed a new six-year, $30 million contract to remain with the Canucks, which took effect for the 2013–14 season and concluding after the 2018–19 season. During the summer, Edler was the talk of trade rumours at the trade deadline. The Detroit Red Wings were the team most interested in Edler, and general manager Mike Gills tried to move Edler before the no-trade clause in his contract took effect on 1 July 2013. Ultimately, no deal was reached.

On March 2, 2018, Edler recorded two assists and surpassed Mattias Öhlund's franchise record of points by a Canucks defenceman.[39] On December 22, 2018, Edler overtook Ohlund's record for most games played by a Canucks defenceman.[40] With the 2019 NHL trade deadline approaching, the Canucks entertained trading Edler, but ultimately didn't, as the defenceman refused to waive his no-trade clause.[41] On March 28, Edler scored his 94th career goal with the Canucks, surpassing Ohlund's record of most goals by a Canucks defenceman.[42] Despite the injuries, which kept Edler to just 56 games, his 10 goals were his first double-digit total since 2011–12, and his 34 points in this abbreviated season represented his best per game pace since the same 2011–12 season.

On 20 June 2019, Edler signed a new two-year, $12 million contract with Vancouver for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons worth $6 million annually.[43] On January 16, 2020, Edler overtook the record for most assists by a Canucks defenceman, previously held by Dennis Kearns.[44] With fellow long-time Canuck Chris Tanev's departure on 9 October 2020,[45] Edler would become the last remaining player from the 2011 Stanley Cup finalist Canucks.

Los Angeles Kings (2021–present)[]

On 28 July 2021, Edler left the Canucks, having spent the entirety of his 15-year career with Vancouver, to sign as a free agent on a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings.[46] With number 23 taken by Dustin Brown, Edler opted to wear number 2.

Edler recorded his first point for Los Angeles on October 23, 2021, an assist in a 7–3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. On December 2, 2021, Edler scored his 100th career NHL goal in a 3–2 loss against the Calgary Flames. It was also his first goal as a member of the Kings. On December 12, 2021, Edler injured his leg and was placed on the injured reserve list. He missed 36 games as a result. He would be activated off the injured reserve list on March 22, 2022.

On 12 July 2022, Edler signed a one-year, $750 thousand contract extension with the Kings.[47]

International play[]

Medal record
Competitor for Flag of Sweden Sweden
Ice hockey
Winter Olympics
Silver 2014 Sochi
World Championships
Gold 2017 Germany/France
Gold 2013 Sweden/Finland

Eder made his first appearance for Sweden at the under-20 level, competing in the 2006 World Junior Championships in British Columbia. He notched his lone point of the tournament, an assist, in a 10–2 round-robin win against Latvia.[48] Sweden went on to finish in fifth place,[49] having lost their quarterfinal game to Finland.[50] Two years later, Edler debuted with Sweden's men's team at the 2008 IIHF World Championships in Halifax and Quebec City. He scored his first international goal on the powerplay against French goaltender Fabrice Lhenry in a 9–0 round-robin win.[51] Sweden went on to the bronze medal game, where they were defeated by Canada 5–4.[52] Edler finished with a goal and two assists in eight games. His 19:02 minutes of average ice time per game ranked third among team defencemen.[53]

Edler was responsible for a knee-on-knee hit to Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal in the quarterfinals of the 2013 IIHF World Championship, and was suspended for the final two games of the championship.[54] Sweden went on to win the gold medal, and Edler was awarded a medal even though he did not play in the gold medal game. On 29 July 2013, the IIHF extended the suspension to cover Sweden's first two games of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.[55] Edler later joined team Sweden during the Olympics after his two-game suspension. He recorded a goal and two assists in the tournament, helping Sweden earn the silver medal.

Personal life[]

Edler was born in Östersund, Sweden. He has a brother, Jens, and a sister, Katarina.[56] He began playing hockey at the age of six.[6] Edler has a permanent home in Vancouver, where he met his wife Amanda and where his daughters Emme and River were born.[57]

Scouting Report and Playing Style[]

2022-11-TSN: Posseses an excellent physical package, he owns an imposing frame, smooth fundamentals and all-round acumen. Can play on the power play, where he displays poise, composure and a heavy point shot. Excels in one-on-one situations. Is still a little inconsistent in his own zone, and prone to gaffes every now and then. His physical game has improved greatly but it isn't consistent. Offensively, he's not as silky-smooth as a natural power play quarterback. Projects as a sage veteran defenseman in decline. [58]

Career statistics[]

Regular season and playoffs[]

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2001–02 Jämtland TVp 8 0 1 1 2 — — — — —
2002–03 Jämtland TVp 8 2 1 3 0 — — — — —
2003–04 Jämtlands HF SWE.2 U20 6 0 3 3 6 — — — — —
2003–04 Jämtlands HF SWE.3 24 3 6 9 20 — — — — —
2004–05 Modo Hockey J20 33 8 15 23 40 5 1 0 1 6
2005–06 Kelowna Rockets WHL 62 13 40 53 44 12 3 5 8 12
2006–07 Manitoba Moose AHL 47 5 21 26 16 — — — — —
2006–07 Vancouver Canucks NHL 22 1 2 3 6 3 0 0 0 2
2007–08 Vancouver Canucks NHL 75 8 12 20 42 — — — — —
2008–09 Vancouver Canucks NHL 80 10 27 37 54 10 1 7 8 6
2009–10 Vancouver Canucks NHL 76 5 37 42 40 12 2 4 6 10
2010–11 Vancouver Canucks NHL 51 8 25 33 24 25 2 9 11 8
2011–12 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 11 38 49 34 5 2 0 2 8
2012–13 Vancouver Canucks NHL 45 8 14 22 37 4 1 0 1 2
2013–14 Vancouver Canucks NHL 63 7 15 22 50 — — — — —
2014–15 Vancouver Canucks NHL 74 8 23 31 54 6 0 3 3 4
2015–16 Vancouver Canucks NHL 52 6 14 20 46 — — — — —
2016–17 Vancouver Canucks NHL 68 6 15 21 36 — — — — —
2017–18 Vancouver Canucks NHL 70 6 28 34 68 — — — — —
2018–19 Vancouver Canucks NHL 56 10 24 34 54 — — — — —
2019–20 Vancouver Canucks NHL 59 5 28 33 62 17 0 7 7 20
2020–21 Vancouver Canucks NHL 52 0 8 8 58 — — — — —
2021–22 Los Angeles Kings NHL 41 3 16 19 34 7 0 2 2 14
NHL totals 966 102 326 428 699 89 8 32 40 74

International[]

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2006 Sweden WJC 5th 6 0 1 1 6
2008 Sweden WC 4th 8 1 2 3 12
2013 Sweden WC Gold medal icon 2 0 1 1 25
2014 Sweden OG Silver medal icon 4 1 1 2 0
2017 Sweden WC Gold medal icon 10 2 2 4 4
Junior totals 6 0 1 1 6
Senior totals 24 4 6 10 41

Awards and honors[]

Award Year
NHL
YoungStars Game 2008
NHL All-Star Game 2012
Vancouver Canucks
Babe Pratt Trophy 2012, 2018, 2019
Daniel & Henrik Sedin Award 2020

References[]

  1. ↑ Alex Edler. Elite Hockey Prospects.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "An eagle scouted", 2008-01-26. 
  3. ↑ Offside with Alex Edler. Vancouver Canucks (2008-12-18).
  4. ↑ Mike G. Morreale. "Andersson's hopes for another special draft", Detroit Red Wings, 2010-06-17. 
  5. ↑ Brunnstrom Flattered By Interest. The Press Box Media (2008-04-10).
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Ebner, David. "Edler's star on the rise", The Globe and Mail, 2012-01-25. 
  7. ↑ Player Statistics. Elite Hockey Prospects.
  8. ↑ 2005 CHL Import Draft. McKeen's Hockey Prospects (2005-03-20).
  9. ↑ "Two minutes in the Box with Alex Edler", 2007-11-23. 
  10. ↑ "Blue chip Canucks D-man, Alex Edler, strikes gold with new deal", 2008-10-11. 
  11. ↑ Top Scorers – 2005–06 Season – Defencemen. Western Hockey League.
  12. ↑ Top Scorers – 2005–06 Season – Rookies. Western Hockey League.
  13. ↑ "Evertt Advances to Western Conference Finals", OurSports Central, 2006-04-16. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Alexander Edler. The Sports Network.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Rook-ies Check Mate", Vancouver Canucks, 2008-01-05. 
  16. ↑ James Mirtle. "Mirtle: Tough break for Canucks blueline", The Globe and Mail, 2006-11-04. 
  17. ↑ "Hosts give delighted Ducks a hand", 2006-12-01. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Derek Jory. "Alex Edler the Great", Vancouver Canucks, 2008-01-15. 
  19. ↑ "All-Star Game skills competition all about style points", 2008-01-27. 
  20. ↑ Player Stats – 2007–08 – Regular Season – Defencemen – Rookies – Summary. National Hockey League.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Bluechip Canucks D-man, Alex Edler, strikes gold with new deal", 2008-10-11. 
  22. ↑ Player Bio – Alexander Edler. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
  23. ↑ "Blue chip Canucks D-man, Alex Edler, strikes gold with new deal", The Vancouver Sun, 2008-10-11. 
  24. ↑ Mattias Ohlund #5 – D. The Sports Network.
  25. ↑ "Alex Edler: Young Swede signs $13M deal with Canucks", The Province, 2008-10-11. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Brad Ziemer. "Edler's off-season rehab banishes injury doubts", 2010-08-23.  [dead link]
  27. ↑ Ziemer, Brad. "Keith Ballard, step right up: Canucks need blueliner to fill huge void left by Alex Edler's back injury", The Vancouver Sun, Postmedia News, 2011-01-27.  [dead link]
  28. ↑ "Alexander Edler to have back surgery", ESPN, 2011-01-27. 
  29. ↑ "Canucks 5, Wild 0", Vancouver Canucks, 2011-04-07. 
  30. ↑ 2010–2011 – Regular Season – Vancouver Canucks – Defensemen – Summary – Total Points. National Hockey League.
  31. ↑ "Canucks need only minor tweaking: GM", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2011-06-17. 
  32. ↑ 2010–2011 – Playoffs – Defensemen – Summary – Total Points. National Hockey League.
  33. ↑ MacIntyre, Iain. "Canucks' new season loaded with questions", The Vancouver Sun, 2011-10-06. 
  34. ↑ Kuzma, Ben. "Sedins, Edler, Hodgson earn stars", The Province, Postmedia News, 2012-01-13. [dead link]
  35. ↑ 2012 All-Star Game Boxscore. National Hockey League.
  36. ↑ 2011–2012 Regular Season Defenseman Points. National Hockey League.
  37. ↑ 2011–2012 Defenseman Shootout. National Hockey League.
  38. ↑ Wyshynski, Greg. "How Erik Karlsson won Norris Trophy, and other revealing NHL Awards vote totals", 2012-06-20. 
  39. ↑ Fisher scores, Predators defeat Canucks in overtime. nhl.com (March 2, 2018).
  40. ↑ Vancouver Canucks [@Canucks] (December 22, 2018). 7️⃣8️⃣2️⃣ games played, most by a #Canucks defenceman ever! That’s a @Wolfblasswines milestone. Congrats Edler! 🦅🙌.
  41. ↑ Benning: Edler declined to waive no-trade - TSN.ca (en) (2019-02-26).
  42. ↑ Vancouver Canucks [@Canucks] (March 29, 2019). 🦅 was already the #Canucks franchise leader for games played, points and power play points by a defenceman. Now Alex Edler is also the leader for GOALS! 🚨🙌🐐.
  43. ↑ Edler signs two-year contract to stay with Canucks. National Hockey League (20 June 2019).
  44. ↑ Vancouver Canucks [@Canucks] (January 17, 2020). Another #Canucks milestone is set as Edler moves into first all-time for assists by a defenceman. You’ll never guess who leads for D-men in goals and points…🇸🇪🔥.
  45. ↑ Press, The Canadian (2020-10-09). Calgary Flames, defenceman Chris Tanev agree to terms on four-year, $18M contract - TSN.ca (en).
  46. ↑ LA Kings sign Alex Edler to a one-year, contract. Los Angeles Kings (28 July 2021).
  47. ↑ Kings Sign Defenseman Alex Edler To One-Year Contract Extension (July 12, 2022).
  48. ↑ Game Summary. International Ice Hockey Federation (2005-12-30).
  49. ↑ Final Ranking. International Ice Hockey Federation.
  50. ↑ Tournament Progress. International Ice Hockey Federation.
  51. ↑ Game Summary. International Ice Hockey Federation (2008-05-05).
  52. ↑ Game Summary. International Ice Hockey Federation.
  53. ↑ Player Statistics By Team. International Ice Hockey Federation.
  54. ↑ Edler to miss two last games (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation.
  55. ↑ Käck, Andreas (2013-07-29). Klart: Stjärnan avstängd i OS (sv). Sportbladet.
  56. ↑ "Not ready for prime-time consideration", 2008-01-26. 
  57. ↑ Alex Edler hopeful of keeping place in Canucks' bright future - Sportsnet.ca.
  58. ↑ https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/player/alexander-edler?player_id=41441

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