Joel Edmundson still plays a key role in Canadiens’ locker room

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After the Canadiens beat the Senators 2-1 two Saturdays ago in Ottawa, it was hard to hear the players being interviewed because of the music blaring from the nearby locker room.

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It turns out that veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson — who has yet to play a game this season — was the DJ.

“Even when he’s not playing, he’s coming out from the press box getting (the music) ready, so he’s the guy,” Chris Wideman said after practice Friday in Brossard when asked who plays the locker-room music. “He’s so much fun to be around. We’re excited that he was on the trip and he has been with the team. Looking forward to having him back full-time. He does everything, man. He’s the best.”

Edmundson has been sidelined all season with a back injury, but took part in the full practice Friday and coach Martin St. Louis said he’s close to returning to the lineup.

“Tremendous player,” Wideman said about Edmundson. “The guy’s won a Stanley Cup (with the St. Louis Blues) but his impact on this team — even while he hasn’t been playing — is unbelievable. He’s had a tough year with some personal things (he’s death of his father) and some injuries. I’ve only been around him for a couple of months, I love the guy. He’s like a brother and he treats everybody like a brother. He’s a huge part of this team and we’re all excited to have him back.

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“He’s a guy that guys can look up to on the ice, but away from the rink the way the guys gravitate to him is pretty unique,” ​​Wideman added. “You don’t see that a lot in this league. Guys have families and do different things, but Eddie’s a guy that he’d give you the shirt off his back from him — but it would be like five sizes too big for me.

The Canadiens have really missed Edmundson—along with captain Shea Weber and goalie Carey Price, who have also been out all season with injuries. Nobody has missed Edmundson more than Jeff Petry, his regular defense partner last season.

Edmundson had 3-10-13 totals in 55 games last season and his plus-28 was the fifth-best plus/minus in the NHL. Petry had 12-30-42 totals in 55 games last season and was plus-6. In 50 games this season, Petry has 4-9-13 totals and is minus-9.

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“He’s always got good music,” Jake Evans said about Edmundson’s DJ role. “He always just brings good vibes, good energy and good play list. Last year when he was healthy and playing he was picking everything (for the music) and Suzy (Nick Suzuki) stepped up (this season). It’s a tough role to fill. Suzy’s done OK, but Eddie for the most part has been the go-to guy. I’ve never really talked to him about it, I just assume every time we’re in the dressing room that he’s playing his music from him.

There wasn’t much victory music being played after games in the Canadiens’ locker room during the first 45 games this season with Dominique Ducharme as head coach when they went 8-30-7. But they are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games with Martin St. Louis as head coach so Edmundson has been able to blast some tunes.

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“He’s just a great guy,” Evans said about Edmundson. “He’s always very positive. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but especially him not even being able to play with his injury from him. Just seeing him around the locker room, he’s always bringing that positive presence and he’s becoming a true leader on this team. He’s always helping guys out, trying to get everyone involved in things. I’m really looking forward to having him back whenever he’s cleared.”

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