Alexander Edler
ON-ICE VALUE
Second-Pairing Defenseman
STRENGTHS
Fundamentals: From a stay-at-home perspective, Edler does everything well. He maintains good positioning, keeps a smart gap, clears the net and makes a solid breakout pass when necessary. While he’s no longer capable of leading a shutdown pairing, he remains a dependable blueliner who can log big minutes.
Size: Edler is 6’3”, weighs 212 pounds and he knows it. He may not land crushing open-ice hits anymore, but he still uses his size to great effect. He’s a sturdy player who can pin forwards along the boards with ease or use his reach to disrupt puck-carriers in all three zones.
Passing: Though he’s primarily known as a responsible defenseman, Edler is a solid passer as well. His stretch pass, swift and accurate, is particularly useful for unlocking the opposition’s forecheck. The only concern is whether he has the time to pick his pass. He isn’t the best puck manager under pressure.
WEAKNESSES
Skating: Edler’s wingspan can somewhat cover up his below-average speed, but he’s a tad clumsy and sluggish in open space. Dynamic forwards can take advantage of him on the rush or on extended cycles, where his poor change of direction can find him reaching for pucks that are long gone.
Discipline: Surprisingly, the seasoned defenseman takes a lot of minor penalties. Edler’s ranked right up there with the least disciplined blueliners in the world over the past few seasons. Perhaps that subpar footspeed is finally catching up to him and causing him to hook and hold the league’s increasingly fast group of forwards.
