Canucks add Edler to Sedin-led staff
Former defenceman and 15-year franchise stalwart joins development camp as Sedin twins rebuild coaching structure.
Alex Edler is returning to the Canucks organization. The franchise legend and former longtime teammate of Daniel and Henrik Sedin will join the team's staff to help with the summer development camp, according to Swedish reporting confirmed Friday.
Edler spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with Vancouver, holding the franchise record for games played by a defenceman (925) and goals by a d-man (99). The 40-year-old retired after the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Kings, where he currently lives. Back in 2024, he signed a one-day contract to return to the ice as a Canuck.
His addition marks the first external hire since the Sedins took over as general managers two weeks ago. They've already cleaned house on the coaching staff, letting go Adam Foote and others, while keeping assistant GMs Cammi Granato and Emilie Castonguay and director of scouting Todd Harvey.
With Edler on board, the Canucks now have five members of the 2011 squad back in the organization—the Sedin twins, Manny Malhotra (AHL head coach), and Mikael Samuelsson (development coach). That 2011 team was the last to make a Stanley Cup final run, and the front office is clearly leaning on that era's foundation as it rebuilds.