The Unsung Hero: Joel Edmundson’s Role in the Kings’ Defense
When it comes to the LA Kings’ defensive lineup, Joel Edmundson isn’t the flashiest name, but he’s undoubtedly one of the most consistent. As I reflect on his 2025-26 season, one thing immediately stands out: Edmundson is the epitome of a player who knows his strengths and sticks to them. In a league where defensemen are often pressured to do it all, Edmundson’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. He’s not here to dazzle with puck-moving skills or light up the scoreboard—he’s here to keep the puck out of his own net. And in that role, he’s been remarkably effective.
The Steady Hand in a Shifting Defense
Edmundson’s partnership with Brandt Clarke has been a cornerstone of the Kings’ defense for two seasons now. What makes this particularly fascinating is how well they complement each other. Clarke brings the offensive flair, while Edmundson provides the stability. It’s a classic case of yin and yang, and it’s worked—at least when Edmundson is healthy. Before his injury in January, he was on the ice for just 1.69 goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, the fifth-best mark in the NHL among defensemen with significant minutes. That’s not just good—it’s elite.
But here’s where things get interesting: Edmundson’s game isn’t about taking risks. He carried the puck out of the defensive zone less than any other Kings defenseman, yet he did so more efficiently. This raises a deeper question: In a league that increasingly values mobility and offense from defensemen, is there still room for a player like Edmundson? Personally, I think there is. His ability to minimize mistakes and play within his limits is a rare trait, especially in today’s high-octane NHL.
Offensive Upside: A Pleasant Surprise
While Edmundson will never be mistaken for an offensive dynamo, his 21 assists and 23 points this season were career highs. What many people don’t realize is that this uptick in production wasn’t accidental. Pairing him with Clarke and giving him more offensive-zone starts clearly paid off. His 0.76 assists per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 placed him in the top third of the league—a detail I find especially interesting. It’s a reminder that even stay-at-home defensemen can contribute offensively when put in the right situations.
However, this also highlights a broader issue with the Kings’ defensive corps. Edmundson was part of the lowest-scoring group of blueliners in the NHL, and the team’s struggles to move the puck from the backend were glaring. If you take a step back and think about it, the Kings’ decision to double down on defensive-first players last summer backfired. They ended up with too many players of the same mold, and it showed in their results.
The Injury Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
Edmundson’s season took a turn after his injury in January. Playing through the pain was commendable, but the numbers don’t lie: his goals against per 60 minutes nearly doubled, and his expected goals against skyrocketed. This isn’t just a knock on Edmundson—it’s a reminder of how thin the line is between effectiveness and ineffectiveness in the NHL. When a player like Edmundson, whose game relies so heavily on positioning and physicality, is less than 100%, it shows.
What this really suggests is that the Kings need to reevaluate their approach to player health. Edmundson’s willingness to play hurt is admirable, but it’s also a symptom of a larger issue: the team’s lack of depth. If the Kings had more reliable options on the bench, they could have given Edmundson the rest he needed. Instead, they leaned on him too heavily, and it cost them.
Penalty Kill Woes: A Shared Responsibility
Edmundson’s struggles on the penalty kill are another area worth examining. He was on the ice for 36 power-play goals against this season—the second-highest total on the team. Now, it’s easy to point fingers, but let’s be clear: the penalty kill is a team effort. Edmundson was the most-used player in those situations, but he wasn’t the only one struggling. The Kings’ penalty kill as a whole was a mess, and Edmundson’s numbers are as much a reflection of that as they are of his individual performance.
From my perspective, this is where the Kings need to make the biggest changes. Their defensive strategy on the penalty kill was outdated and predictable. Teams figured them out, and Edmundson, as the anchor of that unit, bore the brunt of it. If the Kings want to improve next season, this is where they need to start.
Looking Ahead: Edmundson’s Place in the Kings’ Future
Edmundson is two years into a four-year deal, and by most measures, he’s delivered on what the Kings expected. He’s a steady, defensive-first player who’s helped Brandt Clarke develop into a more well-rounded defenseman. But with the Kings likely to retool their defense this offseason, Edmundson’s role is far from certain.
One thing that immediately stands out is how much the team’s success hinges on the players around him. When the Kings had a better mix of puck-movers and stay-at-home defensemen in 2024-25, Edmundson thrived. This season, with a less balanced group, he struggled. If the Kings can find that balance again, Edmundson could be a key piece moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Joel Edmundson isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s exactly the kind of defenseman every team needs. He knows his role, plays it well, and rarely makes costly mistakes. In a league that’s increasingly focused on offense, players like Edmundson are often undervalued. But in my opinion, they’re the backbone of any successful team.
As the Kings look to rebuild their defense, they’d be wise to keep Edmundson in the fold. He may not be perfect, but he’s reliable—and in the NHL, reliability is gold. The question now is whether the Kings can build a defensive unit that maximizes his strengths while addressing their glaring weaknesses. If they can, Edmundson could be a key part of their success for years to come.
