Kings GM Ken Holland Opens Up On Contract Plans for Young D-Man Brandt Clarke

Brandt Clarke, LA Kings, celebrates a goal

22-year-old Brandt Clarke completed his first full season in the NHL last year, and it was a promising one. He has one year to run on his entry-level deal, but is eligible for an extension now.

After being dangled at last season's trade deadline by the old regime, is new Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland ready to commit to the youngster on a new contract? According to an interview with James Murphy in rg.org, apparently not. Holland, who is entering his first camp with the team, is taking a wait-and-see approach with the young d-man.

I think he’s a really talented guy with a bright future. Now we’ve got to figure out where it’s going. I think the best way is to…I mean, I know him, but I don’t know him. Do you know what I mean?
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.

A right-shot defenseman, Clarke was a high first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Kings in 2021 (8th overall). He recorded 28 assists and 33 points in 78 games last year in just 16:17 average ice time per night. He Had a plus/minus rating of +13, along with 121 blocked shots. Clarke showed anyone who was watching (whether live or on video) that he has plenty of promise for the future.

But for Holland, he still needs to see it and experience it for himself.

"I’ve talked to the coach. I’ve spoken to [Kings president] Luc Robitaille. We’ve watched video. I’ve spoken to [director of hockey operations] Jake Goldberg. I’ve talked to [assistant GM] Nelson Emerson. But I still trust my own eyes as well for an opinion.”

Kings GM preaches patience for Brandt Clarke & extension plans

So for now, Clarke and Kings fans will have to have patience before Holland makes any decision on a long-term commitment to the young blueliner.

The Ottawa-born Clarke showed his tremendous offensive upside not only with his 28 assists in his rookie year, but also with an outstanding first full pro season, with the Ontario Reign of the AHL in 2023-24, when he recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 50 games.

In his final year of junior hockey, with the Barrie Colts, he dominated the OHL, with 61 points in 31 games, and another 23 points in 12 playoff games.