5 Free Agent Defensemen Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

Joel Edmundson

Joel Edmundson is a 30-year-old left-shooting defenseman who could give the Leafs solid depth if they fail to acquire any of the previously mentioned defensemen.

He can play both right and left sides. Edmundson averages 17 to 20 minutes a night and could be used effectively on the Leafs third defense pairing.

He is a stay-at-home defenseman, so pairing him with a puck-moving defense partner would be a good idea. He has a habit of giving the puck away when he's left exposed, so he needs the right partner.

Edmundson is not a point producer, but he did manage to register a goal and five assists for 6 points in 53 games this season, split between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also registered 65 blocked shots and 80 hits. Leafs GM Brad Treliving brought Edmundson in at the trade deadline to give the Leafs a physical presence in the playoffs.

He didn't look too out of place, so I wouldn't be shocked if Treliving tried to re-sign Edmundson. He has a career total of 29 goals and 81 assists for 110 points in 530 games.

Edmundson is coming off a deal with a $3.5 million salary cap hit. This is extremely expensive for a bottom-of-the-lineup player. Expect him to take a pay-cut or play for another team next season.