With Kings veteran Drew Doughty on the shelf after an ankle injury during a preseason game which caused him to have ankle surgery and a month-to-month status, other players on the team are stepping up their level of play and contribution, especially another veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson.
When Edmundson left the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent this past summer, the Kings were wise to sign him to a four-year $15.4 million contract, the most money that he has been paid in his NHL career. He won a Stanley Cup in 2019 while playing for the Blues, their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, so he has championship experience and knows what it takes to win as he is approaching playing in almost 600 games.
The Kings were looking to bring in a player with size and toughness and Edmundson fits that bill at 6-foot-5 and 221 pounds. In addition to that, he also brings leadership on the ice and in the locker room, which is especially important with Doughty on the injured list.
Edmundson performs well at both ends of the ice having already scored three goals and two assists in 12 games. He's an offensive-minded defenseman and isn't afraid to block shots (21) and dish out hits (23), carrying the torch for Dustin Brown. And Edmundson has always been known to protect his teammates.
He has a mighty shot and knows how to pass the puck, especially in situations where an important outlet pass is needed.
The Kings are fortunate that Edmundson has brought defence-minded stability which gives the forwards confidence and ease of mind.
He is a force to contend with for all opponents.
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