Alexander Edler, one of the most accomplished players in <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/scenes-practice-changes-canucks-lines-looming-loss">Vancouver Canucks</a> history, will officially retire from the NHL as a member of the organization on October 11, 2024, after signing a one-day contract with the team. The 38-year-old defenceman, who spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Canucks, is widely regarded as one of the best blueliners in the franchise’s history.
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Forever a Canuck! ✍️
Alex Edler signs his one-day contract to officially retire from the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHL</a> as a member of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QMiCCoHDFP">pic.twitter.com/QMiCCoHDFP</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1844549649526669784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Drafted 91st overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Edler’s journey to the NHL is the stuff of legend. Hailing from Österlund, Sweden, he was discovered playing in Sweden’s third-tier men’s league by Canucks scout Thomas Gradin, who made a special trip to see him play. Only two teams, Vancouver and the Detroit Red Wings, knew about him. The Canucks, eager to land him, traded up in the draft to secure Edler&#8217;s selection, a move that would prove to be brilliant.
Edler made his NHL debut in the 2006-07 season and quickly became a fixture on the Canucks’ blueline. Over 15 seasons in Vancouver, Edler set franchise records for games played (925), goals (99), assists (310), and points (409) by a defenceman. However, current Canucks star <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/5-positive-5-negative-takeaways-vancouver-canucks-flames">Quinn Hughes</a> is closing in on these records.
The tenured blueliner played a key role in some of the most successful seasons in Canucks history, including their 2011 run to the Stanley Cup Final. In 25 games that postseason, he contributed two goals and 11 points, helping Vancouver come within one game of capturing their first Stanley Cup. He also helped the team win back-to-back Presidents&#8217; Trophies in 2011 and 2012 as the NHL&#8217;s top regular-season team.
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Alex Edler&#39;s career as a Canuck was one for the record books. 📚
As we get set to honour his retirement from the NHL tomorrow night, take a look at the Alex Edler story by the numbers. <a href="https://t.co/0vHygY7DYG">pic.twitter.com/0vHygY7DYG</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1844499895459381693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The one-time All-Star was beloved by his teammates, especially the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, who referred to him as the unofficial &#8220;third Sedin&#8221; for his ability to read the game at their level. &#8220;He’s a heart and soul guy and he shows up every game,&#8221; said Henrik Sedin at the twins&#8217; final home game in 2018. &#8220;He’s been our best defenceman every year. There’s no question about it.&#8221;
After his tenure in Vancouver, Edler played two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, adding 105 more games to his career total of 1,030. However, he made it clear that Vancouver was where his heart belonged. &#8220;I am humbled and honoured to officially end my career and retire as a member of the Vancouver Canucks,&#8221; Edler said in a statement. &#8220;Finishing my NHL career where it all began is something very special for myself and my family.&#8221;

Vancouver Canucks v Vegas Golden Knights - Game Two

Alexander Edler, one of the most accomplished players in <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/scenes-practice-changes-canucks-lines-looming-loss">Vancouver Canucks</a> history, will officially retire from the NHL as a member of the organization on October 11, 2024, after signing a one-day contract with the team. The 38-year-old defenceman, who spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Canucks, is widely regarded as one of the best blueliners in the franchise’s history.
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[embed]https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1844549649526669784[/embed]

Drafted 91st overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Edler’s journey to the NHL is the stuff of legend. Hailing from Österlund, Sweden, he was discovered playing in Sweden’s third-tier men’s league by Canucks scout Thomas Gradin, who made a special trip to see him play. Only two teams, Vancouver and the Detroit Red Wings, knew about him. The Canucks, eager to land him, traded up in the draft to secure Edler's selection, a move that would prove to be brilliant.

Edler made his NHL debut in the 2006-07 season and quickly became a fixture on the Canucks’ blueline. Over 15 seasons in Vancouver, Edler set franchise records for games played (925), goals (99), assists (310), and points (409) by a defenceman. However, current Canucks star <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/5-positive-5-negative-takeaways-vancouver-canucks-flames">Quinn Hughes</a> is closing in on these records.

The tenured blueliner played a key role in some of the most successful seasons in Canucks history, including their 2011 run to the Stanley Cup Final. In 25 games that postseason, he contributed two goals and 11 points, helping Vancouver come within one game of capturing their first Stanley Cup. He also helped the team win back-to-back Presidents' Trophies in 2011 and 2012 as the NHL's top regular-season team.

[embed]https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1844499895459381693[/embed]

The one-time All-Star was beloved by his teammates, especially the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, who referred to him as the unofficial "third Sedin" for his ability to read the game at their level. "He’s a heart and soul guy and he shows up every game," said Henrik Sedin at the twins' final home game in 2018. "He’s been our best defenceman every year. There’s no question about it."

After his tenure in Vancouver, Edler played two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, adding 105 more games to his career total of 1,030. However, he made it clear that Vancouver was where his heart belonged. "I am humbled and honoured to officially end my career and retire as a member of the Vancouver Canucks," Edler said in a statement. "Finishing my NHL career where it all began is something very special for myself and my family."

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