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Alex Edler

Alex Edler is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alex Edler is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 17 NHL seasons, primarily with the Vancouver Canucks and later with the Los Angeles Kings. Edler now works in a player development role with the Canucks.

Early life and junior hockey

Edler was born in Östersund, Sweden. He developed as a defenceman in Swedish youth hockey before being drafted and moving to North America.

NHL career

The Vancouver Canucks selected Edler in the third round, 91st overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He spent 15 seasons with the Canucks before finishing his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. In total, he appeared in 1,030 regular-season games, scoring 104 goals and adding 334 assists.

International play

Edler represented Sweden at several major tournaments, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and multiple IIHF World Championships. He won gold at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships and silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Retirement and post-playing career

Edler signed a one-day contract with Vancouver to officially retire as a Canuck. He later joined the team’s player development staff.

Key facts

  • Edler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played most of his NHL career with Vancouver before finishing with the Los Angeles Kings.
  • He appeared in 1,030 NHL regular-season games and scored 104 goals with 334 assists.
  • Edler won gold medals at the 2013 and 2017 IIHF World Championships and silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
  • He signed a one-day contract with Vancouver to officially retire as a Canuck and later joined the team's player development staff.
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Canadian context

Edler spent most of his career with the Vancouver Canucks, became one of the franchise’s most notable defencemen, and later joined the team’s development staff, making him a significant figure for Canadian hockey readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alex Edler?
Alex Edler is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman known for his long NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings.
When was Alex Edler born?
He was born on 21 April 1986.
Which NHL teams did Alex Edler play for?
He played for the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings.
Was Alex Edler drafted into the NHL?
Yes. He was selected 91st overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Did Alex Edler win any international medals?
Yes. He won gold at the 2013 and 2017 IIHF World Championships and silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics with Sweden.
What did Alex Edler do after retiring?
He joined the Vancouver Canucks' player development staff.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Edler
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, position, NHL teams, and career overview
  2. NHL.com (Vancouver Canucks) — https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-to-celebrate-alex-edler
    Supports: Draft position, Canucks career totals, retirement, and international achievements
  3. NHL.com (Vancouver Canucks) — https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/vancouver-canucks-announce-alex-edler-to-join-development-staff
    Supports: Post-playing development staff role, NHL career totals, and international résumé
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/4081/alexander-edler
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, draft details, height, weight, and retired status
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/3464/alexander-edler
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, and draft information