Joel Edmundson Season Review: Analyzing the LA Kings Defenseman

Joel Edmundson completed his second season with the LA Kings, recording career highs in points (23) and assists (21) over 82 games. According to season data, Edmundson’s performance was marked by a significant statistical divide caused by a January 24 injury in St. Louis, which impacted his defensive efficiency and high-danger chance prevention.

Why did Joel Edmundson’s performance shift mid-season?

An injury sustained on January 24 in St. Louis caused a sharp decline in Edmundson’s defensive metrics. Prior to that date, he allowed 1.69 goals against per/60 in 5-on-5 situations, the fifth-best mark in the NHL among defensemen with at least 500 minutes played.

Following the injury, his goals against per/60 rose by nearly a full goal. His expected goals against per/60 reached 2.92, the highest on the team during that span, and he faced the highest number of on-ice high-danger chances among Kings defensemen.

Edmundson admitted after the season that he likely should have sat out several games to heal properly but chose to play through the injury to assist the team.

Did You Know? Joel Edmundson set career highs in both assists (21) and points (23) this season, marking the first time in his NHL career he has exceeded 20 points.

How did Edmundson’s offensive and defensive metrics compare?

Edmundson recorded a 0.76 assists per/60 rate in 5-on-5 situations, placing him in the top-third of the league. This uptick in production followed an increase in offensive-zone starts while playing alongside regular partner Brandt Clarke.

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Defensively, Edmundson was the Kings’ most-used player on the penalty kill but struggled in that role. He was on the ice for 36 power-play goals against, the second-highest total on the team and the ninth-highest in the NHL.

Among defensemen with at least 100 shorthanded minutes, Edmundson ranked as the eighth-worst in goals against per/60. Additionally, he was part of the lowest-scoring group of blueliners in the NHL.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while Edmundson’s individual efficiency in exiting the defensive zone was the highest on the team, the Kings’ overall lack of puck movers created a slanted defensive unit. This imbalance likely contributed to the team’s struggle to move the puck from the backend as a cohesive unit.

What happens next for Edmundson and the Kings’ defense?

Edmundson is currently two seasons into a four-year contract signed on July 1, 2024. While he has largely met organizational expectations as a defensive-first player, the team’s overall defensive composition may be a point of contention.

The Kings may seek to reshape their defensive corps this summer to address the dearth of puck movers. Such changes could potentially impact Edmundson’s role or status within the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Joel Edmundson’s regular season stats?
He played 82 games, scoring 2 goals and 21 assists with a +14 rating and 25 penalty minutes.

How did Edmundson perform in the playoffs?
In 4 playoff games, he recorded 1 goal, 0 assists, and a -3 rating.

Who was Edmundson’s primary defensive partner?
He was a regular partner for Brandt Clarke over the last two seasons.

Do you think the Kings should prioritize more puck-moving defensemen this summer?