LA Kings Almost Considered Moving Young Defenseman This Offseason, Not Off The Table For Future

The defense is not in a great spot for the Los Angeles Kings going into next season. They lost Vladislav Gavrikov in free agency, overpaid and signed Cody Ceci as well as Brian Dumoulin for too long, Joel Edmundson is a top-4 defenseman, Drew Doughty is declining and getting older, and Brandt Clarke will likely not get the playing time he deserves.

While that is a heavy criticism of the Kings' defense, that is their worst area and one that will be tough to make improvements to in the next two years with the contracts and players signed. In all of this, Ken Holland came in as the general manager and was reportedly close to making another change.

According to Michael Russo, there were points this offseason where it felt like they were even going to consider moving Clarke. "I think Ken Holland wants to get his eyes on him before he makes such a major move like that."

Waiting definitely makes the most sense as Clarke played under 17 minutes per game last season and his role was greatly reduced when Doughty returned to action. Clarke, at 21 years old and in his first full season, put up five goals and 33 points. If he had held the role he started the season with, he would have easily topped 40 points. He has to play in the top-4 next season and he will have a veteran to play beside, whether it is Edmundson or Dumoulin.

It would be a major mistake to even consider moving Clarke in the near future as well. He is the defenseman expected to take over the role of Doughty for many years, meanwhile there is no replacement coming anytime soon. The only player in the system that looks to have an impact on the future is Henry Brzustewicz, who was drafted 31st overall in the 2025 draft.

While the Kings are seeing their window to win close very quickly, moving a young player instead of the older players with much less value doesn't make any sense. I don't see the Kings moving off of Clarke, but he also needs more opportunity next season and Holland can make wildcard moves sometimes too.