What Joel Edmundson brings the Toronto Maple Leafs

The first trade of the day on Thursday saw the Toronto Maple Leafs add some veteran depth on the blueline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals. In return, the Capitals receive the New York Islanders’ 2024 third-round pick, and the Chicago Blackhawks’ fifth-round pick in 2025.

The Leafs are also getting a great deal for the 30-year-old. The Capitals are retaining half of Edmundson’s remaining cap hit, which was already split when Washington acquired him from the Montreal Canadiens last summer. Toronto only has to pay $875,000 for the final year of Edmundson’s four-year contract, which he signed with the Habs in 2020.

It was an essential move for Toronto heading into the playoffs. While they have some experienced D-men, they lack someone who knows what it takes to win it all, as Edmundson was on the St. Louis Blues team that won the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2019, and later helped the Canadiens reach the Cup final in 2021.

On Thursday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk break down what Edmundson can offer to the Leafs team looking to get over the hump.

Frank Seravalli: “I think it’s important support for them. Joel Edmundson has Stanley Cup pedigree. He was a big part of that run for the St. Louis Blues. While his game has slowed down a little bit, this isn’t anything that’s gonna cost you.

That’s what I think the Leafs are after is trying to find ways to support this team. If they’re going to make a big splash, and take the bat off of their shoulder, and trade that first-round pick, it’s going to be for players of consequence and influence.”

You can watch the entire segment, and full episode here…

Follow all the deals leading up to the March 8 deadline with Daily Faceoff’s 2024 NHL Trade Tracker.