Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Alex Edler is getting his proper send-off.
Before the Canucks’ home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 11th, Edler will sign a one-day contract with the Canucks and officially retire from the NHL, the club announced Tuesday afternoon.
“I am humbled and honoured to officially end my career and retire as a member of the Vancouver Canucks,” Edler said in a statement. “I consider myself lucky to have started my career with such an outstanding organization, in this amazing city, with the best fans in the NHL. Finishing my NHL career where it all began is something very special for myself and my family.”
A third round pick of the Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Edler still holds multiple Canucks franchise records among defencemen, including games played, goals, assists, and points. Though Quinn Hughes is hot on his heels for most of those records, Edler is a legend in Vancouver for both his work on the ice and his work off of it, including — but certainly not limited to — his “Eagle’s Nest” ticket program in partnership with the Canucks for Kids Fund.
Edler spent 15 seasons with the Canucks before signing two one-year contracts with the Los Angeles Kings to finish up his NHL career. Edler went unsigned following the 2022-23 season, in which he tallied 11 points through 64 games with the Kings.
Following in the footsteps of Kevin Bieksa, Edler will rightfully get his flowers when he officially retires as a Canuck on October 11th. Bieksa’s retirement game was a well-executed gesture from the organization, and we can expect the same for Edler, who is calling it a career at the age of 38 after 1,030 career NHL games.
Per the Canucks, tickets to this game are limited. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets now while supplies last at ticket.canucks.com.
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