Defenseman Joel Edmundson was under fire before playing a single game for the Los Angeles Kings. Fans, and media, were beside themselves with the contract he had signed as a free agent. The four-year term was not the issue, but the $15.4 million spread over those four years got the attention of the Kings faithful. Was it justified? Or he is playing up to that contract two weeks in? The contract he signed with Los Angeles is the contract with the most term and money that he has signed in his entire NHL career.
Kings’ Edmundson plays with the team in mind
Edmundson is a veteran of almost 600 NHL games. The 6-foot-5 and 221-pound defenseman brings much-needed size and grit to the Los Angeles blue line, but he is much more than that. His leadership and experience are coming into play with Drew Doughty being out of action due to surgery on his ankle. His style of play suits the Kings style and he can contribute offensively. This season, he has three goals and two assists for five points in 12 games. He is also a +2 and has 10 penalty minutes in an average of 20:51 of ice time per night. In his last five games, he has one goal, six blocked shots and nine hits.
Edmundson previously played for the St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Washington Capitals. He has had the same role on every team and most consider him a valuable asset with the skill set he brings. He will not lead the team in points or score highlight reel goals, but he will protect his teammates, play a defense-first style, and contribute on the offensive end.
He brings plenty of playoff experience to the Kings lineup. In 82 games, he has six goals and 16 assists for 22 points , During his career, he has won one Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.
Edmundson is off to a good start with his new team. He is third in scoring behind Mikey Anderson (14 games 2 goals -4 assists -6 points) and leader Brandt Clarke (14 1-11-12). While offense ins not his strong suit, he can produce the odd point now and then. He has a powerful shot and can lead the play with a nice outlet pass. Edmundson is also third on the team with 21 blocked shots, short-handed ice time with 3:10. He is fourth on the team with 23 hits.
His current role is second-pairing defenseman with Clarke. He gives Clarke stability on defense and allows him to jump in the play when he wishes to. Edmundson is more of a defensive player, so he stays back in case of an odd-man rush by the opposition. He has come in and stabilized the defensive core, helping the team to an overall goals-against-average of 2,86, which is eighth in the league, and an average of 25.5 shots against per game, which is third lowest.
The Kings defense may have been one of the questions heading into the 2024-25 season but, even with the loss of Doughty, they seem stable with hi in the lineup. Few can question his contract as he has, so far, lived up to that deal. His play has helped the forwards play their game and given the opposing forwards something to think about upon entering his zone.
(photo: NHL.com: Deborah Lew) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley)
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