Alexander Edler to test free agency over re-signing with Canucks

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Alexander Edler (Mark Humphrey/AP)

For the first time in his career, Alexander Edler will hit the open market.

Edler's agent Mark Stowe told CHEK TV on Friday that the longtime Vancouver Canucks defenceman will not negotiate a new deal with the team.

“Alex has decided to pursue free agency in lieu of re-signing with the Canucks,” Stowe said during an interview with Don Taylor and Rick Dhaliwal. “He will test the market pretty soon.”

According to Stowe, there were no issues with negotiations or problems with a potential deal in Vancouver, rather it was the right time for the 35-year-old to test free agency.

"He's played over 925 games and been with Canucks organization for about 15 years," Stowe said. "It was more just the chance to (go to free agency) and perhaps the last time in his career he'll be able to do it since he's older now."

Edler was drafted by the Canucks in the third round of the 2004 NHL Draft and made his debut in the 2006-07 season. In that time, he has played 925 games in Vancouver and leads all franchise defenceman in scoring with 409 points.

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