#13 Joel Edmundson – D – Moose Jaw Warriors
- Edmundson has something you can’t teach and that’s size. He is very effective defending his area on the ice because of that size and the ability to push players around. He also uses his reach very well, taking away passing lanes and poking pucks away. He’s strong along the boards. He moves well for someone 6’4, but could still use some overall jump in his skating. He is very passive offensively and is an ok, but not great passer. Let’s say his passing is passable. He has a bomb of a shot but takes much too long to unload it. I wouldn’t be shocked if he did score 8-10 goals next season, vastly improving his offensive production, but it won’t be something that ever carries him to the next level of hockey. He’s not afraid to scrap and is an imposing figure on the blueline overall. When picturing a WHL defenseman, Edmundson fits the bill. I know for a fact that many NHL teams and scouting organizations like him much more than I do, so I won’t be shocked to see him go off the board earlier than I would personally take him.
NHL comparable: Ryan O’Byrne
Top end potential: 4th or 5th defender
Pick prediction: Late 2nd round