Canucks Report: Alex Edler to test free agency this offseason

The Vancouver Canucks could be without another defenceman next season.

On Friday morning, NHL agent Mark Stowe joined Rick Dhaliwal and Don Taylor on “The Donnie and Dhali Show” on Chek TV to talk about his client, Alex Edler, and how he’s ready to explore free agency this summer.

There has been a lot of talk about the Canucks’ offseason plans and how they’re going to navigate the upcoming Expansion Draft and NHL Entry Draft, as well as free agency and the trade market, but this news definitely adds more onto the to-do list.

Edler has been a fixture on the Canucks’ backend since his rookie campaign in 2006-07, where he registered a goal and two assists in 22 games. He was one of, if not the best, Canucks defencemen during their 2011 Stanley Cup run, and continued to put up strong performances for the next few seasons following.

As expected with most aging players, Edler’s offensive numbers saw a decline this past season, with only eight assists to his name in 52 games. Previously, Edler had been able to put up 20+ points in 13 seasons and 30+ points in eight seasons. His career-best output occurred during the 2011-12 campaign, where he registered 49 points in 82 games.

That was also the only season in which he played every game.

Edler has battled numerous injuries during his time as a Canuck so far, especially in the latter half of his career. When healthy, however, Edler could always be relied on for his solid two-way game and ability to log high minutes each night.

Even though his statistics weren’t great, Edler continued to be a bright light in a dim situation on the Canucks’ blueline this past season, providing leadership and special teams support. The 35-year-old doesn’t have the speed and longevity to play a top-four role like he once did, but could still be effective on any team’s third pairing. According to JFresh, he actually had a bounce back year compared to 2019-20, indicating that he still has some gas left in the tank.

It will be difficult for Canucks’ fans to see Edler go if he does end up signing with another team this summer. Edler, who is only 75 games shy of 1000, leads the franchise in points and games played for defencemen, and is currently the team’s longest-standing player. He is also very active in the Vancouver community, and launched an initiative called “The Eagle’s Nest”, which allows children with health issues, injury or socio-economic challenges to enjoy a hockey game with their families.

Edler is also still searching for his 100th career goal, an accomplishment he wasn’t able to achieve last year. Of course, there’s still a chance that General Manager Jim Benning and his team will be able to finalize a deal for the Swedish blueliner to return and hit this milestone with the team that drafted him, especially if fellow-UFA defenceman Travis Hamonic doesn’t return to Vancouver, but fans aren’t holding their breath. It’s a realistic possibility that next year’s roster will be without #23 if his expected term and dollar value is too high for the team’s current financial situation.

Wherever Edler ends up going, he will still be able to perform as a solid two-way defenceman that brings leadership and playoff experience. Knowing our luck, if Edler does end up leaving Vancouver, he’ll probably score his 100th goal against us. It’d only be fitting.

What do you think, Canucks fans? Are you happy that Edler is exploring free agency, or do you want #23 back in a Canucks sweater? Make sure to let us know in the comments!