Leafs Trade for Edmunson

 

Photo From City News Toronto

With the trade deadline arriving tomorrow, the Toronto Maple Leafs thought they should get to work early as the team announced they have acquired defender Joel Edmunson from the Capitals in exchange for a 2024 3rd-round pick originally from the Islanders and a 2025 5th-round pick from Chicago. The Leafs are as of this writing one contract over the 23-contract limit which means another transaction is needed. I think it’s safe to say William Lagesson will be sent down without needing Waivers.

Leaf fans will see this trade and not be happy with it, but Joel brings size and physical play into the lineup. Edmunson shoots left but can play both sides. The point production may not be there this season in Washington with just 6 points in 44 games. However, Joel Edmunson brings playoff experience having been on a few deep playoff runs winning a cup in St Louis and helping the Montreal Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Final. Edmunson will make things difficult for the opponent in his end of the rink which will also help the Leafs when Round 1 arrives, and they play either the Florida Panthers or Boston Bruins. I know a lot of analytic charts don’t show many positive numbers but that was the same for Simon Benoit when he joined Toronto and he’s turned out to be a consistent and reliable defender for the Maple Leafs. The Capitals are retaining 50% of Edmunson’s Salary so the Leafs only pay $875,000 meaning there’s a good chance the Leafs will have another trade in the works.

That’s all for this quick write-up it will be interesting to see what Toronto does next. I will be taking a break from blogging because I will be in Dunedin for a week starting tomorrow.