I still like the trade and the risk. The Kings moved on from so many forwards in 15 months - Vilardi, Iafallo, Kupari, PLD, Grundstrom, Lizotte, JAD....7 right there and only have added 2; Jeannot and Foegele.
Signing Edmundson shows they are obviously going with Anderson, Gavrikov and Edmundson on the left and Jeannot is the size, toughness, enforcer, hitter (211 hits last yr in 57 games, way higher than Kings top forward last yr) and the hope he can score 15 goals and 30 assists. I think they are feeling he can play line 3 or 4 and add a dynamic they've lacked. If he's healthy and closer to a role he had his rookie year, that's not a stretch. Sure, even 15 goals and 30 pts is not exciting, but that's a lot more than Lizotte, Grundstrom, JAD, Kupari could ever provide...and not a stretch to approach Iafallo's 35-40.
I think with him getting a fresh start, better ice than he had in TB and the fact he's in a contract year...plus having a second child now - taking a 13%? Pay cut in CA taxes, compared to FL....he';; be motivated. At 27, this is his best chance to have a big year and cash in 3+ million?, 4? year type of deal.
I'm tired of watching the Kings get punked night after night and no one steps up. Ever. That's over. The TB journalist on All the Kings Men (Thank, Jesse) said she noticed if he was on the ice, no one wanted anything to do with him. Edmundson will help as well. Brandt Clarke and Turcotte will benefit from them on the team, as will all players. Jesse - I was kind of surprised the one person you interviewed, commented that enforcer's are not so important today. I was shocked. Not true. (this could have been a Mayor POD...losing track of all the Summer pods) The last 2 years playoffs, the teams that are making Conf Finals, are using thuggery more than the Broad Street Bullies ever did. In terms of cheap shots, after whistle shtt, chopping hands, face punches, slashes, cross checks. Everyone hitting and pushing McDavid if he does nothing. It's now every teams' game plan, Vegas won the cup, as soon as Kolesar hit Tkachuk and injured him. It was over. Games and series can be won, by your toughness and neutralizing the other teams best players.
When Nurse headbutted Danault. I was freaking furious. And no one did anything. I would have so loved to have had Jeannot on the ice then and break that aholes nose.
24 NHL goals in a single season is legit. It's not easy. Everyone wanted Jeannot on their team 3 years ago. I don't think he's regressed that much, Part of the fall is how he was used and having injuries. To expect 20 goals again is pie in the sky. But, if you play him line 3 with Danault and Moore, they'll have some space and have him go to the net. He's tough to move and he can bury pucks. Tips. Redirects. Has a nice, half step, elusive snap shot. I'd certainly giver him some line 3 time, before relegating him to line 4. Although, I bet Turcotte as 4C and Lewis would benefit.
I hope he's pumped and getting in top condition and hungry.
all 24 goals rookie season. lots of tips. some nice redirects, some nice, 15 foot snipes.