Kings Receiving Trade Interest in Brandt Clarke, Have Different Plan

Teams around the league are reportedly calling about Los Angeles Kings defenceman Brandt Clarke, but according to James Murphy of RG.org, the Kings have no interest in moving the 22-year-old blueliner. Clarke has posted seven points in 14 games this season and is expected to become a restricted free agent next summer.

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The Kings aren’t making him available, and speculation is that they’re thinking about signing the blueliner to a long-term deal.

While the lack of an extension has sparked speculation about his future, sources indicate the Kings are prioritizing a new deal for winger Adrian Kempe before turning their attention to Clarke. This doesn’t mean their plans exclude Clarke. “[Jim] Hiller and his staff depend on Clarke a lot, and I can tell you there’s no desire to move him right now,” the source told RG. “That’s a guy Ken [Holland] is watching closely to see if he’s a key piece going forward, so I don’t see them trading him right now.”

Murphy notes that Clarke’s trade value is rising with his play, but Los Angeles retains leverage as he remains under team control after his entry-level contract expires.

Clarke, who worked on his strength and skating over the offseason, has tremendous upside, which the coaching staff and teammates like Drew Doughty all see. In particular, his offensive instincts are viewed as a real strength. With the potential to be a top-pairing defenceman, he’s considered a key piece of the Kings’ long-term core.

Los Angeles is expected to begin extension talks soon, with options ranging from a short-term bridge deal to a long-term contract worth roughly $7–8 million per season.

Next: Cowan’s Future: AHL Demotion and Trade Plans Impact The Rookie