Joel Edmundson News

Through four NHL seasons, Edmundson has never played more than 69 gams and is coming off of just 11 points (2G / 9A) in 64 games last year. The 6-foot-4, 215 lbs. defenseman plays a physical brand of hockey tying for 22nd among D-men in hits (531) over the last four years. Playing on a loaded blueline in Carolina will likely mean third-pairing minutes for Edmundson in 2002.

In his first four NHL seasons, Edmundson has never played more than 69 games. Edmundson had just two goals and nine assists (11 points) in 64 games this past season. The 26-year-old ranked fourth among Blues defensemen in TOI/gm (19:23) while leading them in hits (128) and ranking fourth in blocked shots (106).

Despite winning in Game 4, the Blues will make on minor change in Game 5. Edmundson will come out of the lineup with Robert Bortuzzo drawing back onto the blueline. Edmundson has recorded seven points (1G / 6A) in 21 playoff games.

Edmundson was a healthy scratch in Games 3 and 4 but will replace Robert Bortuzzo in Game 5. Edmundson, who will be back on the top-pairing with Alex Pietrangelo, has two assists, four PIMS and 10 shots in eight playoff games.

Edmundson is battling an undisclosed injury and will be replaced by Michael Del Zotto in Ottawa. Edmundson is day-to-day.

The Blues went with seven defensemen on Thursday but will go back to six on Saturday, so Edmundson will sit and Carl Gunnarsson will remain in the lineup.

The Blues went with seven defensemen in their last game but with Vladimir Tarasenko (illness) returning to the lineup, Edmundson will be the defenseman to sit. Edmundson has just seven points (1G / 6A) in 34 games.

Edmundson missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Panthers and will be a game-time decision Friday vs. the Avalanche. Edmundson would replace Jordan Schmaltz if he plays. He has one goal and six assists (seven points) in 26 games this season.

Edmundson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, so look for Jordan Schmaltz to replace him on the blueline. Monitor Edmundson’s status leading up to Friday’s game vs. the Avalanche.

Edmundson said he wants to get through tomorrow’s morning skate before making a decision but it looks like he will play. Vince Dunn is expected to sit for Edmundson, meaning that Alex Pietrangelo will move to the top power-play and Colton Parayko on the second. Edmundson had 17 points (7G / 10A) in 69 games a season ago.

Edmundson missed the Blues preseason finale with a groin injury and it doesn’t appear as if he will play in their season opener either. If Edmundson is unable to play, look for Chris Butler to get into the Blues lineup.

Edmundson is nearing his return to the Blues lineup, but he isn’t ready to go this afternoon in Los Angeles. With Edmundson still out, Jordan Schmaltz will remain on the third pairing.