6
Vancouver — The Vancouver Canucks have locked up a key member of their defence corps for the long term, the NHL team announced Friday.
The Canucks, fresh off a 6-1 opening night victory over the Calgary Flames, have signed defenceman Alexander Edler to a four-year extension. The 22-year-old blueliner, who is scheduled to earn $550,000 (U.S.) this year, would have been a restricted free agent next summer, but is now under contract through the 2012-13 campaign.
“Alex is a gifted puck-moving defenceman who sees the ice extremely well for such a young player,” Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement. “He has made great strides in his career and we look forward to further growth and development in his game.”
Edler is in his third season with the Canucks, and represented the team at the 2008 Young Stars Game during all-star weekend. The Ostersund, Sweden native scored 20 points in 75 games last season, and plays in both shorthanded and power-play situations.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
