"Maybe Holland is just playing coy, but he's far from the only one in the Kings organization in need of convincing. When Clarke began last season with 11 points in 12 games, Hiller cooled off some of that excitement, saying "he's a good offensive player, there's no question, he just has to play a complete game." Then, in January, the Kings made the Ontario native a healthy scratch. So the coach has some misgivings and the GM needs some convincing? Sounds like there's a chance."
""I've got to get to camp and watch. I've got to see him on the ice, and I've got to talk to him and have a meeting with him. And I've got to get a feel for, I know the team, but I don't know the team, if you know what I mean.""
"Skilled right-handed defensemen rank among the rarest and most coveted player types in the NHL, especially one who's still on a rookie contract. Consider the parallels to high-scoring Edmonton gem Evan Bouchard. The Kings picked Clarke eighth overall in 2021, while the Oilers selected Bouchard 10th in 2018. Each player notched impressive point totals even without getting top special teams reps and other opportunities."
Brandt Clarke is a 22-year-old Los Angeles Kings defenseman who has shown strong offensive production but faces questions about playing a complete game. Kings management and coaching staff appear uncertain about Clarke's role and readiness, with him being a healthy scratch in January despite a hot start that produced 11 points in 12 games. Right-handed, offensively gifted defensemen on rookie contracts are rare and highly valued, and Clarke's early production draws parallels to Evan Bouchard. The Toronto Maple Leafs could view Clarke as a high-upside target if the Kings undervalue his potential.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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