Joel Edmundson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joel Edmundson
Edmundson with the St. Louis Blues in 2017
Born	(1993-06-28) June 28, 1993 (age 32) Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Height	6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight	225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Los Angeles Kings St. Louis Blues Carolina Hurricanes Montreal Canadiens Washington Capitals Toronto Maple Leafs
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	46th overall, 2011 St. Louis Blues
Playing career	2013–present

Joel Edmundson, born on June 28, 1993, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defenceman for the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). The St. Louis Blues picked him in the 2011 NHL Draft. He helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019. Joel has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Joel's Early Life

Joel Edmundson was born in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. His birthday is June 28, 1993. He started playing ice hockey when he was only two years old. His older brother, Jesse, inspired him to love the game.

Joel Edmundson's Hockey Journey

Playing as an Amateur

Growing up in Manitoba, Joel and his brother played junior ice hockey for their hometown team, the Brandon Wheat Kings. Joel played 85 games for the team between 2008 and 2010. He scored 58 points during this time. He even played alongside future NHL player Micheal Ferland. Joel's father, Bob, helped Ferland financially so he could play hockey.

In 2008, Joel was drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his first WHL season, he played 71 games and scored 20 points. He also had 95 penalty minutes. His strong play helped him get noticed by NHL scouts. The St. Louis Blues drafted him 46th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

After being drafted, Joel joined the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL. He signed a three-year contract with the Blues to start his professional career.

Starting Professional Hockey

Playing for the St. Louis Blues

Joel began his professional career with the Chicago Wolves. This team is the main minor league team for the Blues in the American Hockey League (AHL). He scored his first professional goal on November 13, 2013.

After two seasons with the Wolves, Joel joined the St. Louis Blues for the 2015–16 season. He made his NHL debut on October 8, 2015. Joel scored his first NHL goal on March 25, 2016. He helped the Blues make it to the playoffs that year. He played 66 games and had nine points. He also set a team record for hits by a rookie.

Edmundson during the 2019 Stanley Cup parade

Joel continued to play for the Blues in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. He sometimes missed games due to injuries. In 2018, he volunteered as a coach at Micheal Ferland's Hockey School.

For the 2018–19 season, Joel signed a new contract with the Blues. He helped the team reach the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins. The Blues won the Stanley Cup for the first time in their history! Joel played in five of the seven final games. He brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Brandon, Manitoba, to share the celebration.

Moving to Other Teams

On September 24, 2019, Joel was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. He quickly became an important player for them. He set a new career high in points during the 2019–20 season.

On September 12, 2020, Joel was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. He signed a four-year contract with them. His father was very happy because he was a lifelong fan of the Canadiens. Joel became a key part of the Canadiens' defense. He played in his second Stanley Cup Finals in 2021, but the Canadiens lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Joel faced some challenges with injuries during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons. He was named an alternate captain for the Canadiens in 2022.

On July 1, 2023, Joel was traded to the Washington Capitals. He played for them during the 2023–24 season.

Then, on March 7, 2024, Joel was traded again, this time to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He finished the 2023-24 season playing for the Maple Leafs.

On July 1, 2024, Joel signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. He is now a defenceman for the Kings.

International Play

Joel has also played for Canada's national team. He competed in the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He scored three points in a game against South Korea. Canada finished fourth in the tournament that year.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and Honours