Canucks defenseman Edler out indefinitely

VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler is out indefinitely after appearing to injure his right leg during the first period of a 3-1 win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

Edler’s right leg clipped the leg of a Predators player just above the knee while pinching down on a play at the point. Edler did not return to the game, was not at practice Thursday in Vancouver, and isn’t expected to play against the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday.

“We got a little [update] this morning but it’s the same, he is still being evaluated,” assistant coach Glen Gulutzan said. “He is out indefinitely, but still being evaluated by our guys today again.”

Edler, who leads the Canucks in average ice time at 23:26, has three goals, nine points and a minus-12 rating in 27 games, and plays in all situations. He is second to Jason Garrison among Vancouver defensemen in average power-play time, and fourth in penalty killing with a 2:11 average per game.

Andrew Alberts will take Edler's place on defense. Alberts has played three games this season, two as a fourth-line forward.