The Los Angeles Kings' acquisition of Joel Edmundson for $3.85 million raised several eyebrows due to his injury history and the team's deep defensive roster. However, his performance has surpassed expectations, especially following Drew Doughty’s return. Pairing with Doughty, Edmundson has transformed into a key component of the Kings' defensive strategy, leading to a +20 rating and contributing 14 points in 51 games.

His adaptability has been evident, as he's seen an increase in ice time, averaging nearly 21 minutes per game in recent outings. The Kings’ management appears to have confidence in their top four defensive pairings, with Edmundson enhancing the team’s penalty kill, which has climbed to the league's top five. While his long-term impact remains uncertain, particularly regarding his contract and the development of younger defensemen like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence, the Kings seem poised to benefit in the short term.