Joel Edmundson Makes Major Statement Regarding His Trade from Montreal

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Elias Edmonson
July 5, 2023 (2:09 PM)

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Just before the opening of the free agent market on July 1st, a trade involving Joel Edmundson was announced with the Montreal Canadiens.

Although the trade was somewhat unexpected, it was clear that a regular defenseman had to leave the team, due to the surplus of defenders in the current roster. The Canadiens want to make room for young players, and even though the 30-year-old veteran was an excellent leader in the locker room, they had to make room for Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, Justin Barron, and Arber Xhekaj.

Moreover, just a few days after this move with the Tricolore, Edmundson has just given his first comments in connection with the trade that sent him to the Washington Capitals.

Even though he had told the team a few months ago that he wanted to stay in Montreal, he still moved to spend the last year of his current contract.

"Joel Edmundson says being traded by the Canadiens did not surprise him: 'This summer, I had the feeling that something could happen with how the Montreal team was shaping up; they want to get younger, they want to build something there...'" - Via Priyanta Emrith

He was not deluded about the club's long-term plan and the direction the team was taking, his days were numbered and he knew he could be traded this summer.

Edmundson also mentioned that he greatly appreciated the franchise and the respect Kent Hughes showed him in recent months.

"Joel Edmundson says he appreciates that the Canadiens' general manager, Kent Hughes, was open and honest with him about how the Tricolore envisioned his future within the organization from the trade deadline.

Hughes told Edmundson they would move him if the price was right." - Via Priyanta Emrith

Now that he has the chance to play for a team that aims for the playoffs, we wish him success for the rest of his career in Washington!