Joel Edmundson had known for several months that his stay in Montreal was coming to an end.
Unable to get what he thought was just before the final NHL trade deadline, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes finally received an acceptable offer when the free agent market opened, trading the defenseman to the Capitals. of Washington for 3rd and 4th round picks in 2024.
“I had a feeling it was coming, from the way the team was forming in Montreal. They want to rejuvenate themselves and build something. The draft took place, I thought something could happen at that time. I got the news early July 1 that I was leaving for Washington. I’m very excited,” Edmundson said during a video media briefing hosted by the Caps on Wednesday.
Hughes, who agreed to pay 50% of the veteran’s salary to close the deal, has been keeping the veteran up to date on the discussions over the past several months since the last trade deadline.
“Kent did such a good job. He invited me to his office, we sat down. […] He told me he wanted to trade me, but at the right price. He wanted me to stay, but if the price was right, something could happen. […] He kept me informed and I had no surprises. ”
The 30-year-old guard, who intends to play a mentoring role for the young members of the Capitals’ defensive squad, will be able to continue the work begun in Montreal, where he watched over Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris and Arber Xhekaj by reminding them especially to live fully in the present moment.
“They’re living their dream, so you have to enjoy it while it passes and enjoy every day at the arena working with the guys. ”
Healthy
Slowed down by injuries during his association with the CH, Edmundson says he is in great shape today.
” I feel good. I’ve been in the gym for two months and I started skating again. My body is fine. This summer, I just want a full summer of healthy training to come into training camp strong. In the last two seasons, I got injured right before camp. I had a backlog when I left and had a slow start to the season while the others’ seasons were well under way. ”
In Washington, the Manitoban does not yet know the place that awaits him in the defensive chessboard, but he knows very well what he can bring.
“Being solid in front of the goalie and making sure he can see the puck well is my strength. I like to use my stick to defend myself and give cross checks to make life miserable for my opponents. That’s what got me here. And I want to be a good guy in the locker room, be a leader in my own way. ”
Already, some of his future teammates with whom he has already shared a locker room have welcomed him, including TJ Oshie and Trevor van Riemsdyk.
“I still have 70 unread text messages on my phone. I read a few a day. ”
