from Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun,

The mystery surrounding the status of Vancouver Canucks defencemen Alex Edler and Jason Garrison has been solved.

The Canucks confirmed Friday that Edler is dealing with a slightly bulging disc in his back while Garrison has a groin injury.

That means both players will remain on the Canucks’ payroll during the current NHL lockout until they are deemed fit to play.

Assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said Friday that both players suffered the injuries while training for the upcoming season before the NHL lockout took effect Sept. 15.

"Both players sustained injuries in the course of their preparation for the season prior to Sept. 15 which necessitates their rehabilitation being supervised by the club," Gilman said in an interview. "Alex has a bulging disc in his back."

Garrison and Edler join centre Ryan Kesler as Canucks getting paid during the lockout. Kesler, who is scheduled to earn $5 million this season, is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and is in town working with the Canuck training staff.

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