The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly adding another familiar face from the franchise’s past as former defenceman Alex Edler prepares to join the organization in a development role.

According to Swedish outlet HockeyNews.se, Edler is expected to assist the Canucks during this summer’s development camp as part of the team’s evolving hockey operations group led by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin.

The reported addition comes shortly after the Sedin twins took over expanded leadership responsibilities within the organization and made significant changes behind the bench, including moving on from former head coach Adam Foote and the rest of Vancouver’s NHL coaching staff.

New general manager Ryan Johnson has already confirmed that assistant general managers Cammi Granato and Emilie Castonguay will remain with the organization, along with scouting director Todd Harvey.

Edler spent the majority of his NHL career with Vancouver and remains one of the most accomplished defencemen in franchise history. Over 15 seasons with the Canucks, the Swedish blueliner became the team’s all-time leader among defencemen in games played and goals scored.

After leaving Vancouver, Edler finished his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, playing two additional seasons before stepping away from professional hockey following the 2022–23 campaign.

The veteran defenceman officially retired as a Canuck in 2024 after signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the organization.

His reported return now adds another member of Vancouver’s memorable 2011 Stanley Cup Final roster to the franchise’s development system. Edler joins former teammates including the Sedin twins, Manny Malhotra, who currently serves as head coach of the team’s AHL affiliate, and Mikael Samuelsson, who works in player development.

The Canucks are expected to hold their annual development camp in early July, continuing preparations for the upcoming NHL season while integrating the organization’s next generation of prospects.