Brief
Daniel Sedin says he wishes he’d hit the gym earlier
The Hall of Famer told Gino Reda’s Overtime Hockey podcast that early‑career fitness concerns shaped his outlook.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin told Gino Reda’s Overtime Hockey podcast that his biggest regret is not beginning strength training sooner. Sedin, a Hall of Famer who earned an Art Ross Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Award, an Olympic gold medal and a first‑ballot Hall of Fame nod, said, “Get in the gym and start working out sooner,” during the interview published on Oct. 20, 2026.
What happened
Sedin reflected on his early years in the NHL, noting that he and his twin brother played soccer until about age 15, which left them “a little bit behind physically” when they arrived in Vancouver. He recalled criticism that the Sedins were “too soft” and cited Canucks general manager Brian Burke’s early doubts about drafting them after the World Junior Championship.
What the report adds
Burke’s skepticism is illustrated by a quote from his book, Burke’s Law, where he joked that the twins spent more time on the ice surface than the Zamboni. The article also mentions that scout Thomas Gradin persuaded Burke to give the brothers another chance, a decision that led to their later success.
What was said
“Get in the gym and start working out sooner,” Sedin said on the podcast. He added that the early physical challenges taught him resilience: “Those early years, having to go through those tough times, we learned a lot about ourselves.” Sedin credited coach Marc Crawford as the most influential figure in his development, saying Crawford “pushed us and made us believe that we could be the players that we became.” He also highlighted teammate Alex Edler as a key impact on his career, describing their friendship and reliance on each other.
How it came about
Sedin’s comments follow a long career that saw the twins become some of the fittest players on the Canucks, known for lower‑body and core strength that turned them into “puck‑protection machines.” The interview provides a personal perspective on the physical evolution that helped shape their legacy.
Key facts
- Daniel Sedin said his biggest regret is not starting gym work earlier in his career. (dailyhive.com)
- Sedin and his brother played soccer until about age 15, leaving them physically behind when they joined the NHL. (dailyhive.com)
- Canucks GM Brian Burke initially doubted drafting the Sedins after the World Junior Championship. (dailyhive.com)
- Sedin credited coach Marc Crawford as the most influential coach in his career. (dailyhive.com)
- Sedin named Alex Edler as a teammate who had the biggest impact on his career. (dailyhive.com)
Sources
- [1] dailyhive.com — originally reported as “Canucks' Daniel Sedin reveals one of his biggest regrets | Daily Hive | Offside”
