Top 5 Vancouver Canucks draft picks that turned out to be steals

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EDMONTON, AB – OCTOBER 19: Alexander Edler #23 of the Vancouver Canucks concentrates on the face-off during a game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place on October 19, 2009 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers beat the Canucks 2-1. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Alex Edler

Believe it or not, the Canucks franchise leader in goals, points, and games played by a defenceman was taken in the third round at 91st overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Although his future with the team remains in question, Alex Edler is one of the biggest steals in the history of the Vancouver Canucks.

Edler looked like he was something special from almost the second he first put on a Canucks uniform (which was red, silver, and navy blue at the time). Edler was just 20 years old when he made his debut, and now at the age of 33, it’s hard to remember that Edler has been around for so many years.

Edler was a huge part of the dominant Canucks teams of the early 2010’s. He picked up 11 points in the Canucks 2011 Stanley Cup Playoff Run, second to only Christian Ehrhoff, who had 12 in those playoffs. Edler has been a player that the Canucks have been extremely lucky to have on their team, as on top of his on-ice abilities, his veteran leadership is invaluable.

Edler mentors the Canucks young defencemen and helps them understand what it takes to be an effective defenceman in the NHL. We will have to wait and see if Edler gets to finish his career wearing only a Canucks uniform for the duration of it. Regardless, Edler was a steal in the third round.

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