Alex Edler on his no-trade clause
Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet: Vancouver Canucks 32-year old pending free agent defenseman wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause ahead of last week’s trade deadline when they asked if he’d consider.
“It was different because there were more things going on that I knew about,” Edler, one game after his return from injury, said Saturday following the Canucks’ practice here for Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The sides have discussed a contract extension, but some fans are frustrated that Edler could end up leaving for nothing if an extension isn’t worked out.
“I don’t know if there’s anything I can say,” Edler said of his NTC. “That’s in my contract; it’s every player’s right (to negotiate that). I don’t think you can even make an agreement to get traded and then sign back as a free agent. I don’t know if that’s even legal. This was just a rule I had in my contract.
“I know how it works, how the business is. Managers try to make their teams better any way they can. I knew it (trade request) could happen if we didn’t come to an agreement before the deadline. I just kind of know that happens, even though if you have it in your contract.”
Canucks need to look at their defense and improve on the wing
Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning knows the Canucks need to improve on the blueline
“We’re going to look this summer to try and change things up in the back end. There’s work to be done on defence,” he told reporters.
A couple pending UFA defensemen at might be available include Erik Karlsson, Tyler Myers and Jake Gardiner. They could try to trade for someone like Winnipeg Jets Jacob Trouba but it’s hard to the Jets potentially parting ways with both Myers and Trouba.
It’s looking like the Canucks will re-sign Alex Edler.
2018 first-round draft pick Quinn Hughes is likely to turn pro.
Ben Hutton is going to need a raise.
Olli Juolevi could be a question mark for next season.
Ashton Sautner and Luke Schenn could be around for depth.
The Canucks need to make it a priority to find some top-line wingers this offseason.
