Edler not on Team Sweden

The Canucks had 4 players considered potential Olympian members of Team Sweden’s national hockey team when the world comes to Vancouver for in 2010. Henrik and Daniel Sedin were locks for the team, Edler has emerged as a top defenceman in the NHL and was considered to be one of the blue liners for the yellow and blue, and Samuelsson who already has an Olympic Gold medal to his name was the fourth Canuck who was likely to represent Sweden in the Olympics.

After Sweden announced their roster this morning Canuck nation was a little riled up that blonde haired, blue eyed, Alexander Edler wasn’t named to the Swedish roster when names like San Jose’s Douglas Murray (this has to be the least Swedish name ever) and New Jersey’s Johnny Oduya beat Edler out for a roster spot. Samuelsson was also missing from the Swedish roster which looks to have stocked up on veteran players including surprise pick Forsberg who’s returned to the Swedish Elite League playing alongside former Canucks star Markus Naslund as both attempt comebacks to the sport.

As far as Samuelsson’s missing the team, I’m not surprised. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Mr. October has been quiet as of late. He’s certainly cooled since his hot start and his play has been average at best this year. Edler who’s struggled this season was also missing from Sweden’s roster but with curious picks like Murray and Oduya you have to wonder why Edler wasn’t on the team.

But without looking at who should make the team and who shouldn’t, there is a silver lining to all of this. The Canucks had 9 potential Olympians, and those are 9 of the Canucks top players that aren’t going to get a 2 week break before the stretch drive. The fact that two of those nine players are going to get the extra two weeks rest is something I’m okay with. Edler with the shaky season he’s had could use the time off. The Canucks are going to need a lot of help from their supporting cast when the fatigue factor catches up to those Canucks that make the Olympics, down the stretch. The fact that Edler didn’t make the team is a curious one, but in the long run I think it’s going to benefit this team that’s ultimate goal is a long playoff run.