Manor Kings Camp: Edmundson on Playing with Clarke, Joining the Kings, and More

[LGKbot]

When the Kings signed unrestricted free agent Joel Edmundson in July, that added a player they had flirted with chasing a few times over the past years. Among his most notable traits are experience on the left side, and a Stanley Cup ring with St. Louis in 2019.

Standing 6-foot-5, the Manitoba native made a small, simple play during Friday’s scrimmage likely went unnoticed some in attendance. However, it’s important enough that it should be noted. With his team in the offensive zone, he backed out when the opposition picked up an errant pass. The defender flipped the puck up and attempted to clear it down to the other end, over the neutral zone. No such luck, though. The towering Edmundson stretched his arm high into the air and knocked down the puck. Almost in one motion, he corralled it and passed it off to one of his resetting teammates, allowing them to quickly go back on the attack.

An average-sized NHL skater couldn’t have made that play. Instead, the puck would have gone down the ice and likely been frozen by the goalie for a faceoff, or at best whistled for icing. Either way, Edmundson’s team would have lost the momentum they were building.

With LA’s top three pairs most likely set in place — including Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty as the top pair, followed by Gavrikov-Spence, and Edmundson-Clarke — coach Jim Hiller was also quick to note the depth the organization has on the blueline too. Waiting in the wings are guys like Andreas Englund, Kyle Burroughs, Jacob Moverare, and a few additional prospects.

“That’s probably the strength of the organization right now,” said coach Jim Hiller. “Since I’ve been in the league, that’s as deep of a D-core as I’ve seen. You talk about competition? That’s good! And there will be players that end up out of that group and in Ontario; there just has to be. But that’s as deep of a D-core with experience and young potential as I’ve seen. That’s what you want out of an organization, for sure.”

Edmundson said he's been thinking about the possibility of playing for the Kings for a few years now. Was well aware that LA has had an interest in him for some time. He even talked w/ several guys who have played for the Kings; they all spoke very highly about the organization.

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) September 20, 2024

Edmundson is happy to be teammates w/ Doughty now – 'It'll be nice to not have him chirping me all the time… Well, at least not on the ice, it'll only be on the bench or in the room.'

Went on to say how impressed he's been seeing how well DD treats rookies, the staff, etc.

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) September 20, 2024

In the video below, Edmundson had a chance to share some early thoughts on several topics, including:

— Moving to Los Angeles
— Physicality in camp
— Views on previous Kings teams
— Playing with Brandt Clarke
— This year’s group of defensemen


RELATED CONTENT:

Kings Camp: Foegele on Competing Hard, Switching Sides in the War, and His Linemates

Day 3: Kaliyev Out, Changes to Kings Lineups for Saturday Scrimmage

Follow @mayorNHL





Continue reading...