NHL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Kings set their eyes on veteran defenseman

The Los Angeles Kings are expected to be busy at the NHL trade deadline. They are looking to bolster their blue line, and have set their sights on a veteran defenseman.

According to reports, the Kings are interested in trading for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Joel Edmundson. Several teams are looking to acquire him before the NHL trade deadline on March 3.

"According to Pierre LeBrun, both the Edmonton Oilers and LA Kings have talked to Montreal about veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson. The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 3rd. Source: Insider Trading. #GoHabsGo" - Costa Rontzocos

Joel Edmundson has also been linked to the Edmonton Oilers.

The Los Angeles Kings have struggled defensively all season. They've particularly struggled to keep pucks out of their net. The Kings are eighth worst in the league in goals-against. They have allowed 182 goals in 53 games. Their -10 goal differential is the worst among teams in a playoff spot. In fact, they are the only playoff team with a negative goal differential.

Edmundson would provide the Kings with stability and a veteran presence on their blue line. A tough, stay-at-home defenseman is exactly what the team needs. The Canadiens are looking to receive a first-round draft pick in any trade involving Edmundson.

Joel Edmundson signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Canadiens on September 16, 2020. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2023-24 season. Edmundson would have a legitimate shot at winning the Stanley Cup with the Kings. The Habs are in the beginning stages of a lengthy rebuild.

The Montreal Canadiens are last in the Atlantic division with a 20-27-4 record and 44 points. The team is looking to offload veteran players in exchange for prospects and future draft picks.

It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Kings will be able to acquire Joel Edmundson. They will have to outbid other interested teams and pay a steep asking price to land him.

Los Angeles Kings performances this season so far

The Los Angeles Kings are having an impressive season. They are third in the Pacific Division with a 28-18-7 record and 63 points. More importantly, they are just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the division.

The Los Angeles Kings will face the Pittsburgh Penguins at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. It will be their first game back from the All-Star break. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 pm/ET.