Screenshot: Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals haven’t been as strong a player in free agency hours as they have been in years past, but the team has added standout players via the open market and traded forwards Max Pacioretty and Joel Edmondson. The latter met the media today for the first time since his dealings with Washington.
The 3-year-old, 6’5 blueliner brings plenty of qualities to the backfield, including a solid presence in front of the net that he hopes will benefit Capitals goaltenders Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren next season.
“Just being solid in front of the goalkeeper, making sure he can see the puck”, Edmundson said of his style of play, “I like using my sticks to defend, the occasional checks and make the opponents’ night miserable. I think that’s what got me to this point in my career “.
While physical fitness is an asset, he believes leadership and experience can help the Capitals after a season in which they missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014.
“I just want to be a good guy in that locker room,” Edmondson said, “I hear they have a fun group in there, so I just want to go in there and be a leader in my own way.”
In the Caps blueline there are a number of young players who will be in contention to play next season, including Martin Fehervary and Alex Alexeyev (both left-handed). While a veteran like Edmondson might feel the pressure, he sees this as an opportunity to take advantage of it.
“They’re skilful guys, and they have some good patience. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two too. I want to be a guy they can count on. I’ve been in the league, I’m in my ninth year now and I’ve had a lot of good teammates.”
“I’ve had a lot of good mentors in my career, so I just want to be that guy for those guys.”
While playing in the Top-4 and elsewhere in his career, Edmondson says he will play wherever necessary to help the Capitals win this season.
“That’s not really a major focus for me right now… For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m first, second, or third, I just want to be a guy who can count on.”
By Michael Fleetwood