2 Teams That Could Sign Veteran UFA Alexander Edler

Vancouver Canucks mainstay Alexander Edler is entering Unrestricted Free Agency this summer, and the Canucks are in a tricky position. Two of their veteran defencemen - Edler and Travis Hamonic - are both UFAs this summer. They need to decide what to do with Olli Juolevi, who is an RFA, and they need to sign Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes. Not to mention they are likely going to lose Braden Holtby to Seattle. This leaves Edler on the outside looking in, and after a down year that saw him score no goals and only 7 assists, he may need to look for a new jersey t
o wear in the fall. Here are two teams that should look at signing him.

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit is potentially losing a veteran defenceman of their own this summer in Marc Staal, and have a group of young RFAs that will need new contracts. While the Red Wings have a few other prospects they'd like to see make the jump in the next couple seasons, having a veteran on the back end can make a big difference when it comes to competing in the playoffs (just ask Montreal), and Detroit is right on the verge of doing just that. Edler would fit right in on Detroit's blueline, and they could bring him in short term without breaking the bank.

Dallas Stars

Similarly, the Stars are looking at a summer where they need to sign star rookie Miro Heiskanen, who is going to command a big raise over his ELC. They can also expect Alex Radulov and Ben Bishop to come off LTIR, which eats up more of their cap. Left in the lurch is Jamie Oleksiak, a 28-year old left-handed defenceman who is likely to want more from his contract than the Stars will be able to give, and who has been connected to a number of teams who are looking to bulk up on defence. In comes Alex Edler, who could fill Oleksiak's skates at a discount without blocking younger prospects like Thomas Harley down the road.

Do you think Edler stays in Vancouver, or will he walk?

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports