By Jordan Long
The Vancouver Canucks missed the postseason for the 5th time in 6 seasons. They went 35-36-11 for 81 points, an improvement from 2018 when they had 73 points. Vancouver is rebuilding and hoping next season they can reach the postseason. They decided in order to make a run at the playoffs, they had to keep defenseman Alexander Edler who was scheduled to be a free agent on July 1st. Vancouver agreed to a 2-year $12 million contract with him.
Edler has spent his entire 13-year NHL career in Vancouver. In that time he has become their top offensive defenseman. On full strength he uses his one-timer from the blue line for scoring chances. These end in goals or his teammates find the rebounds and those end with the puck in the net. Edler uses his vision on the ice to find a teammate who is wide open when the goaltender is out of position for goals. Edler scored 10 goals and added 24 assists for a total of 34 points.
When Vancouver is on the power play, he is the quarterback who sets up the play. From there Edler can shoot the puck from the blue line or pass to his teammates for scoring opportunities with the man advantage. Edler scored 4 goals and 13 assists on the power play.
On defense Edler can check opponents off the puck and steal it away, causing Vancouver to have scoring chances. He is valuable on the power play kill because he can block shots. When that happens Vancouver can shoot the puck to the other end to take time off the power play kill.
Vancouver knew they wanted to keep him because of how skilled of a defenseman he is. According to tsn.ca Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning said, “Alex is important to our team and has played as the cornerstone of our defence throughout his career. He’s a leader with tremendous experience, plays important minutes and contributes to every part of our team game. We’re very pleased for Alex and his family that he’ll continue his career as a Vancouver Canuck.”
Vancouver has to be happy Edler is going to stay. He is a large part of their defense and can score. Vancouver needs to do more in free agency since they will have around $23.5 million in cap space to spend in free agency to improve their team. Vancouver hopes to make the playoffs in 2020 for the first time since 2015. d
Such a great post.