With the Blues' third selection in the second round of the NHL Draft, the Blues selected defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Moose Jaw Warriors. He is the 46th player taken in the draft.
Think big, tough and hard-nosed kid from Western Canada.
Exhibit A:
And Exhibit B:
At 6 feet, 4 inches (or 6'5" depending where you look) and 194 pounds, the 18-year-old can play a physical brand of hockey. And he says he wants to become bigger and stronger. From our friends at Discover Moose Jaw:
After the Warriors season ended in April, Edmundson didn't take a break, spending countless hours in the gym trying to get bigger, faster, stronger. He also attended the NHL Combine, which was used by teams to evaluate prospects for the draft.
Edmundson says he's worked to get to this point. "A few years ago I was just one of the average players. I just worked hard and did what I had to do to get me this far. I know I'll just keep on working hard to try and get to the next level."
When the Warrior blueliner hears his named get called either Friday or Saturday, he knows that that's when the hard work really starts. "I know I won't be moving up to the next level for a few years. I know I need to put on a few pounds and work on parts of my game. I know there's a lot of work to be done, and I'm willing to do that."
In his first season in the WHL, he had just 2 goals and 18 assists but 95 PIM in 71 games.
Here's what Hockey's Future thinks of him:
One of a huge top-four group of defensemen in Moose Jaw. At 6’5, played more minutes per game as the season progressed. Will have to improve foot speed. Goaltenders will love him, as he is capable of physically clearing the area in front of his own goal.
Personally, I love big guys who can clear the area in front of the net. Remember, we were the home for the Matt Walker Fan Club. It's a tight-knit club. Everybody knows everybody. But you need those kinds of guys to win.
What are your thoughts on Joel Edmundson? And remember, our GDT will be running all damn day.