Canadien: Kent Hughes Trades Defenseman Joel Edmundson to…

Hockey Canadien: Kent Hughes trades defenseman Joel Edmundson to the Capitals for two draft picks

By Jean-François Chaumont

Saturday, July 1, 2023 12:02 PM | Updated: Saturday, July 1, 2023 12:02 PM

Joel Edmundson’s time in Montreal was hanging by a thread. Amidst the rumors during the trade deadline, Edmundson had not changed his address, just returning from another injury to his back.

Over three months later, Kent Hughes has finally found a dance partner for Edmundson. The Canadiens traded him to the Washington Capitals for a 3rd-round pick (originally owned by the Minnesota Wild) in the 2024 draft and a 7th-round pick in the 2024 draft. The Habs agreed to financially assist the Capitals by retaining 50% of the veteran defenseman‘s final year of the contract. The Manitoba native will earn $3.5 million in 2023-2024, leaving a $1.75 million cap hit for the Canadiens.

“Joel didn’t request a trade, he loved Montreal,” Hughes said during a video conference. “He has mentioned before that the possibility of a trade gave him stress. Last year, I told him not to worry, but that he would be traded before his contract expired.”

A Solid Veteran

At 30 years old, Edmundson recorded 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) in 61 games last year. He had a poor plus-minus rating of -29. However, the impact of the left-handed defenseman did not solely reflect on the scoresheet. He had a positive influence in the locker room, serving as a mentor to several young defensemen. Alongside David Savard and Mike Matheson, Edmundson was one of the few defensemen with considerable experience on the Canadiens’ blue line.

“Yes, Joel had a strong presence in the locker room,” acknowledged Hughes. “He was a leader for us. I told him that I hope he leaves a part of himself in the locker room and that the young players will carry a part of him in the future.”

Despite missing 21 games last year, Edmundson finished second on the team in blocked shots with 149 and fourth in hits with 112. In 2019, he won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues before joining the Carolina Hurricanes for the following season.

Looking Towards the Future

Edmundson’s departure comes as no surprise. The Canadiens will rely on several left-handed defensemen, including Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and Jordan Harris, all of whom will have a place on the team in 2023-2024. During the press conference, Hughes reiterated his desire to trust the team’s young players.

Keywords: Ice Hockey, Canadiens, Kent Hughes, trades, defenseman, Joel Edmundson