In my opinion, the 2025-26 season was a pivotal one for the LA Kings' defenseman, Joel Edmundson. While he may not have been the star player some fans were hoping for, his role as a steady and reliable presence on the blue line was invaluable. Edmundson's performance was a study in consistency, and his ability to play to his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses was a key factor in the team's success.
What makes Edmundson's performance particularly fascinating is the way he adapted to the team's needs. With the Kings lacking puck movers, Edmundson's decision to stick to what he does best was a smart move. His efficient rate of carrying the puck out of the defensive zone was a bright spot, and his ability to complement Brandt Clarke was a testament to his versatility.
However, Edmundson's injury in January had a significant impact on his performance. His goals against per/60 rose by nearly a full goal, and his expected goals against, per/60, was the highest on the team in that span. This was a clear indication that Edmundson wasn't playing at full strength, and it showed in the on-ice results. The fact that he chose to play through the injury to help the team is commendable, but it also highlights the importance of proper healing and rest.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way Edmundson's performance dipped after his injury. His power-play goals against were the second-highest on the Kings overall, and his shorthanded minutes ranked eighth-worst in goals against among defensemen. This was a clear indication that the team's penalty kill was struggling, and Edmundson's heavy usage in those situations was a contributing factor.
What many people don't realize is the impact Edmundson's injury had on the team's overall performance. His absence from the ice for 1.69 goals against, per/60, in 5-on-5 situations was a significant loss. This was the fifth-best clip in the entire NHL among defensemen with at least 500 minutes played, and his absence was felt throughout the season.
If you take a step back and think about it, Edmundson's performance was a microcosm of the team's struggles. His ability to play to his strengths and minimize his weaknesses was a key factor in the team's success, but his injury and the team's lack of puck movers created a perfect storm of challenges. The Kings' defensemen as a whole did not deliver what was needed, and Edmundson's performance was a reflection of that.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way Edmundson's performance trended up before his injury. His performance was exactly what you'd want from him, and his ability to complement Brandt Clarke was a testament to his versatility. However, his injury and the team's struggles highlight the importance of proper healing and rest, as well as the need for a more balanced approach to team building.
What this really suggests is the need for a more nuanced approach to team building. The Kings' defensemen as a whole were too slanted in one direction, and Edmundson's performance was a reflection of that. The team needs to re-shape its defensemen this summer, and whether that impacts Edmundson or not remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the Kings need to find a balance between offense and defense, and Edmundson's performance was a key factor in that equation.
In my opinion, the 2026-27 season will be a make-or-break one for the LA Kings' defensemen, including Joel Edmundson. The team needs to find a way to balance offense and defense, and Edmundson's performance will be a key factor in that equation. Whether that means changes for Edmundson or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Kings need to find a way to get back on track, and Edmundson's performance will be a key indicator of their success.
