Kyle Garcia 
With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Joel Edmundson!
Joel Edmundson
Birthdate: June 28, 1993
Birthplace: Manitoba, Canada
Height: 6’5
Weight: 220 lbs
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Draft: 2nd round, 46th overall, 2011 NHL Draft
2025-26 season
Joel Edmundson wrapped up his second year of a four-year contract with 23 points and played in all 82 games. Two years ago, Edmundson was brought in as a free agent by former general manager Rob Blake. The idea of a big left-handed defenseman, a trend we’ve seen the Kings pursue before and after his signing, and deliver occasional cross-checks to the opposition in front of the net when defending to play alongside Clarke was appealing to the front office.
Give Joel Edmundson a save!!! pic.twitter.com/ptuJrVciXs
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 14, 2026
According to Natural Stat Trick, at 5v5, Edmundson spent the most minutes with Clarke (no surprise). The duo had strong underlying numbers, including 52 CF%, 58 GF%, 46.4 xGF, 43.2 xGA, 51.8 xGF%, 50.6 SCF%, and 51 HDCF%. When they were separated at 5v5, Clarke’s numbers were exceptional, while Edmundson’s were inferior.
Despite having a solid +/- stat, his underlying metrics were insufficient when not playing alongside Clarke.
VERY BIG GOAL JOEL pic.twitter.com/X4tnV3nWkl
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 26, 2026
2026-27 outlook
For the third straight day, I am going to sound like a broken record: since the Kings haven’t made any changes to the backend, I expect Edmundson to be on the second pair again. If the Kings are serious about Clarke being their future number-one defenseman, we should see him take on a bigger role, leaving Edmundson to be paired with someone else. If not, Edmundson should be paired with Clarke again at 5v5 and see time on the penalty kill.
Featured image credit: Steve Roberts/Getty Images