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.

The Colorado Avalanche continue to face challenges with player injuries, as coach Jared Bednar confirmed that defenseman Samuel Girard is still day-to-day. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin's condition has not improved, prompting concerns he might be sidelined longer than anticipated. Bednar also dismissed rumors regarding Gabriel Landeskog's inability to skate consecutively, maintaining that the team is managing their injuries closely.

Goaltender Scott Wedgewood, however, is set to return after missing four games due to an ankle injury. In other news across the NHL, several other players have been dealing with their own injury situations. Los Angeles Kings defenseman Joel Edmundson has returned after an upper-body injury, while New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin has resumed practicing following an illness.

Warren Foegele's wraparound goal in the third period propelled the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Dallas Stars. The Kings, who were down 2-0 early, secured their fourth consecutive win thanks to goals from Tanner Jeannot and Joel Edmundson, along with David Rittich's solid 26 saves.

The Stars, despite goals from Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment, saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. Tyler Seguin's upcoming hip surgery will sideline him for four to six months, adding to Dallas's challenges.

Warren Foegele's wraparound goal early in the third period propelled the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Dallas Stars. After trailing 2-0, the Kings secured their fourth consecutive win, with Tanner Jeannot contributing a goal and an assist.

The Stars saw their three-game winning streak end despite goals from Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment. Tyler Seguin's upcoming hip surgery will sideline him for several months, while Trevor Lewis is out for weeks due to injury.

Anze Kopitar shone in the Los Angeles Kings' 6-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, contributing a goal and two assists, marking his 800th career assist.

Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala also made significant contributions with a goal and an assist each, while Warren Foegele, Alex Laferriere, and Joel Edmundson added to the scoreline. The Kings have now won three of their last four games.

Kopitar's achievement places him among an elite group of players born outside North America to reach 800 assists.