LA Kings: Alex Edler chooses number, talks helping young defensemen

The newest LA Kings defenseman, Alex Edler, has reportedly selected his new number.

Signed to a one-year contract, the LA Kings bolstered the left side of their defense, adding veteran Alex Edler to the mix. The 35-year-old donned the number 23 during his time in Vancouver, but he will reportedly wear the number 2 in Los Angeles.

D Alexander Edler will wear jersey number 2 for the Los Angeles Kings. Number last worn by Paul LaDue in 2019-20. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/J2N3iJVkBs

— NHL Jersey Numbers (@NHLNewNumbers) August 6, 2021

On Friday, Alex Edler also joined Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver to discuss his time with the Canucks and what’s ahead for him with the LA Kings.

On the feeling of not returning to Vancouver

It will really sink in when I get back to Vancouver and realize I’m going to LA.

Edler on the process of signing with the Kings

I think it was time for me to consider trying something else, and I wanted to see if there was anything out there. It was a different experience and a little bit stressful.

(He also noted he had an offer from Vancouver on the table)

Alex Edler reflecting on his time in Vancouver

I have so many good memories from those years of playing an important role with the Canucks organization. It’s been a great home for me.

On thoughts returning to Vancouver as a member of the Kings

I think it’s going to feel weird…I don’t know if I look forward to it. We’ll see when that day comes.

On the Kings young talent

They have a lot of young defensemen, and hopefully, I can help them out.

On how much hockey he has left

As long as my body feels good, I want to keep playing. I still love the game and like the competing. As far as the miletones, I don’t really care about the number. I’m looking at a year at a time.

LA Kings: Alex Edler still a ‘fringe top-pair caliber guy’