Welcome to the Hockey News Player Series, featuring insights from the Vancouver Canucks. Previously, we covered assistant coach Brett McLean’s roles with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. Today, we highlight a figure well known to Canucks supporters—Daniel Sedin, the player development coach with a storied career in Vancouver.
A landmark moment in NHL history occurred during the 1999 draft when Daniel and his twin brother Henrik Sedin were selected second overall by the Canucks, thanks to General Manager Brian Burke’s strategic moves. This duo would embark on illustrious careers that defined a generation for the franchise.
Daniel Sedin’s debut season was in 2000-01, tallying 20 goals and 14 assists, helping the Canucks reach the playoffs where they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche, led by then Canucks head coach Adam Foot. Over the next three seasons, Sedin maintained steady production, highlighted by an 18-goal and 36-assist campaign in 2003-04.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Sedin returned to Sweden to play for Modo Hockey, scoring 13 goals and 20 assists in 49 games. He also represented Sweden at the IIHF World Championship, putting up five goals and four assists in nine games.
Post-lockout, Sedin’s performance surged, recording career highs like 22 goals and 49 assists in 82 games during the 2005-06 season, including reaching the 200-shot mark for the first time. His momentum continued with a standout 2006-07 season, featuring 36 goals and 48 assists, powering the Canucks past Dallas in the playoffs before bowing out to Anaheim.
Despite missing the playoffs briefly, Vancouver saw leadership changes, including Roberto Luongo becoming captain. By 2009-10, Sedin excelled offensively, amassing 29 goals and 56 assists in the regular season and representing Sweden in the Winter Olympics. The playoffs saw the Canucks fall again to Chicago, though Sedin had a strong showing.
The 2010-11 season marked Sedin’s peak, netting 41 goals and 63 assists, earning him the Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, while serving as an assistant captain. That season, the Canucks reached the Stanley Cup Final, their first since 1994, ultimately falling short but marking a season of high hopes.
Sedin maintained solid numbers afterward but faced playoff frustration as Vancouver struggled to advance, missing the postseason multiple years. His final NHL season in 2017-18 ended with solid stats, and upon retirement, his No. 22 jersey was retired alongside Henrik’s No. 33. Both were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022, joining teammate Roberto Luongo.
For ongoing coverage, bookmark THN’s Vancouver Canucks site for exclusive news, interviews, and fan forums to deepen your connection to the team and sport.
Fan Take: Daniel Sedin’s career is a testament to dedication and consistency, embodying what it means to be a franchise cornerstone. His journey offers hockey fans a powerful narrative about loyalty and the impact one player can have, inspiring the next generation in the sport.
