In contrast to his impassive demeanor, Alex Edler has been one of the most polarizing figures for Canucks fans in recent years. Drafted 91st overall in the 2004 entry draft, Edler made his first appearance in a  Canucks’ uniform in 2006 after an ongoing slew of injuries to the team’s blueline. His former teammate Trevor Linden was one of many who immediately saw potential in Edler, coming up with the nickname “Eaglet” due to the young defenseman’s ability to eat and sleep like a baby eagle and with the hope that Edler would grow into a “big, majestic bird”. 

Though he once sported a league worst minus-39 on a season and has undergone surgery for a recurring disc issue in his back, Edler has developed in the #1 defenseman that Linden and so many others hoped he would. 

(Courtesy: Hockey Reference)

The first round of the 2010 playoffs saw Edler put all of his skills on display. Most memorable was this demolition of Drew Doughty:

Game 5 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals was one of the greatest games Edler will ever play. He was credited with 10 hits – double that of the next highest total from players on either team – and was the most impactful skater for the Canucks in their 1-0 victory. After a slash to his hand in game 6, Edler played the rest of the finals with only some functional fingers. Though lots of things contributed to the Canucks missing out on their first ever Stanley Cup, a healthy Alex Edler playing the best hockey of his career to that point would certainly have helped their efforts.

Alex Edler currently sits 5th among Canucks defensemen in points, a list he will likely move up on as his career progresses.

Edler was a member of the Swedish national team when Tre Kronor won gold at the 2013 World Championships and when they took home a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Edler’s emergence as a true #1 NHL defenseman has been less than smooth. Growing up with little if any physicality in his game, his reluctance to use his size frustrated fans who wanted to see him do a lot more of this:

Coming off of an unfortunate 2013/14 season, Edler rebounded well in 2014/15. At the age of 29 he is playing the best hockey of his career, though his offensive production is down from his 49-point 2011/12 season. Should he string together a few more healthy and productive seasons like his most recent one, Edler could finish his career as the highest scoring defenseman in Canucks history. 

Edler’s on-ice legacy as a Canuck is yet to be determined, but the outlook is good. Off the ice he will likely always be remembered for his quiet demeanor and his ability to wear a pea coat.