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“That may not have had anything to do with it, but I think it would have helped if I had played the last 30 games.”

As the World Cup starts next Saturday, Edler will continue his preparation for the upcoming season far removed from the spotlight. He claims he’s over the fact he’s not part of the tournament — and isn’t sure what to make of the preseason showcase anyhow.

“I don’t really know yet,” he said of the co-production of the league and the players association.

“It hasn’t been played for a while. It should be exciting. I think it’s a good thing, and it might be a way to expand the sport. Hopefully it’ll be good. Maybe the next time they can do it overseas or even a few games overseas.”

With two weeks to go before training camp opens in Whistler, Edler will continue to work out with his teammates in preparation for what he hopes is a bounce-back season for himself and the Canucks.

While he may not be what Team Sweden was looking for, Edler remains a key component here in Vancouver and will once again be asked to form a top pairing with Chris Tanev. As he prepares for his 10th full NHL season, Edler’s confident he can regain the form he’s shown in the past.

“I feel good and I’ve had a good summer,” he said. “I haven’t had any (injury) issues and I’ve been able to work out really hard, so that feels good.”

That’s the silver lining in all of this for Edler. Sweden may not have wanted him for the World Cup. The Canucks absolutely need him. And, this way, he’s been able to focus his energy on being at his best when the NHL season begins next month.

Jeff Paterson writes on the Canucks Sundays in the Vancouver Province. Follow him at twitter.com/patersonjeff