Canucks' Alex Edler sidelined by back spasms

Vancouver defenseman Alex Edler missed the Canucks' game Wednesday night against the Nashville Predators because of back spasms.

Edler, who normally plays on Vancouver's top pairing with Christian Ehrhoff, leads the defense with eight goals and 32 points in 49 games. He was injured Monday a 7-1 win over Dallas but finished the game, recording two assists to give him six points in his last four contests.

The Canucks have been without defensemen Andrew Alberts (shoulder) and Aaron Rome (knee) since mid-January. Lee Sweatt, a 25-year-old who played three seasons in Europe before signing with Vancouver last summer, made his NHL debut against the Predators three days after being called up from the AHL, and fellow rookie Chris Tanev, played just his fifth NHL game.