Brandt Clarke Stays with the Kings
In a trade deadline that had the Los Angeles Kings’ fanbase abuzz, 22-year-old Brandt Clarke remained with the organization. The rumors started swirling after Clarke saw minimal ice time and was a healthy scratch in back-to-back games on March 1st and 3rd. As an Ottawa native, Clarke had not played more than 18 minutes since January 11th, with his ice time dropping as low as 5:15 on February 22nd. This pattern of limited playtime sparked discussions in the media, with Clarke being mentioned as a potential trade piece, particularly in a potential deal with Carolina Hurricane Mikko Rantanen.
The Value of Keeping Clarke
Despite the rumors, trading Clarke never made sense. As one of the most promising young defensemen in the league, parting ways with him for a rental or an aging player would be a disaster. The Kings’ general manager, Rob Blake, was clear in his stance, stating that they had "no willingness" to trade Clarke at this year’s deadline. Blake’s confidence in Clarke is not unfounded. As a 2021 first-round pick, Clarke has shown significant potential and is a valuable asset for the Kings’ future. The only notable move the Kings made at the deadline was acquiring left winger Andrei Kuzmenko, a move that should bolster their weak power play.
Defensive Pairings and the Future
Blake also revealed plans to adjust the defensive pairings to favor a setup similar to earlier in the season. He mentioned that he likes the pairing of Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke, indicating that this combination could see more ice time. This decision underscores the Kings’ commitment to developing Clarke and integrating him into their long-term plans. The defensive corps is a critical component of any successful team, and Clarke’s continued growth is vital for the Kings’ future.
Loan to the Ontario Reign
After the trade deadline, the Kings made a strategic move by loaning Clarke to the Ontario Reign. This move should not be cause for concern, as it is a purely administrative transaction to make Clarke eligible for the rest of the AHL season, including the Calder Cup playoffs. Being the only waiver-exempt player, the Kings wanted to keep all options open for Clarke. This decision ensures that Clarke will remain a valuable asset, whether in the AHL or NHL, depending on the Kings’ playoff run.
Clarke’s AHL Performance
In 50 regular-season AHL games last season, Clarke demonstrated his offensive capabilities, scoring 10 goals and tallying 36 assists. His performance extended into the Calder Cup playoffs, where he contributed six assists in eight games. These statistics highlight Clarke’s potential and the Kings’ belief in his development. The loan to the Ontario Reign is a strategic move to ensure Clarke can continue to grow and contribute, either in the AHL or if called up to the NHL.
A Lesson from Alex Turcotte
The Kings’ decision to loan Clarke to Ontario is not without precedent. Last season, forward Alex Turcotte was loaned to the Ontario Reign before being recalled the next day. Turcotte played a significant role in the Reign’s Calder Cup playoff run, which he believes was "huge" for his development and career progression. The Kings clearly see the same potential for Clarke. A deep playoff run, whether in the NHL or AHL, could provide Clarke with the experience and confidence needed to take the next step in his career, much like it did for Turcotte.
In summary, the Kings’ decision to keep Brandt Clarke with the organization and loan him to the Ontario Reign is a strategic move that prioritizes the development of their young talent. Clarke’s potential is evident, and the Kings are committed to providing him with the opportunities he needs to succeed at the highest level.
