The Washington Capitals made their first move on the opening of NHL Free Agency by making a trade with the Montreal Canadiens. They acquired defenseman Joel Edmundson for a third round pick that was originally acquired from the Minnesota Wild and a seventh round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The 30 year old recorded 13 points with two goals and 11 assists in 61 games with the Canadiens last season. The Brandon, Manitoba native ranked second among Habs defensemen in hits with 112 and blocked shots with 149 last season as well as fourth in ice time per game at 19:34.