Analysing Kings' Potential Overpay for Depth Defenseman
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The Los Angeles Kings didn't make any big moves on Monday, however, they did add some depth.
According to reports, the Kings are signing defenseman Joel Edmundson to a four-year, deal at around $3.8 million.
This one is a bit of a heads-scratcher to me.
I get what the Kings were looking for in Edmundson, but I don't think they actually get it here.
Similar to the Pierre-Luc Dubois acquisition, although on very different levels, this feels like a case of buying the idea of Edmundson while ignoring the reality.
A physical shutdown defenseman to replace Andreas Englund on the third pair makes sense, and Edmundson is an upgrade on Englund.
He's also not a big upgrade and costs way too much.
Yes he's shown physicality in the past, but he hasn't posted good defensive numbers since the 2020-21 season playing for Marc Bergevin's Montreal Canadiens.
He's managed a decent offensive impact without putting up many points but has struggled defensively.
He's good at clearing out the net front but his teams have given up a lot of chances with him on the ice recently.
There's also the injury problem. He's missed significant time over the last three seasons making a four-year commitment a big risk, especially at almost $4 million.
The one potential saving grace here is LA's system. Fans want them to abandoned the 1-3-1, and while they might, they'll still play a defense first system that helps insulate their defensemen and goalies.
In a more defensive system Edmundson might find more on ice success, however, I wouldn't bet 4-years, $3.8 million per year on that.
The free agent market moved fast today and this felt like a potential panic move from LA.
They've been linked to Edmundson in the past though so it's possible they just like the player.
But again, do they like the idea or the reality of him? Because those seem to be two different things.
I'll reserve full judgement until Edmundson suits up for LA, but this feels like an overpay.
Edmundson marginally improves LA's defense at best and is signed for too long at too much money.