Kings prioritize Brandt Clarke, resisting trade offers

Despite receiving significant trade interest from around the league, the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly keen on keeping defenseman Brandt Clarke, 22, as a key part of their long-term plans. While other teams have been calling about Clarke, the Kings have "no desire to move him right now".

Clarke has made a solid contribution this season, tallying seven points in 14 games, further increasing his value. He is currently playing under a three-year rookie contract, with a cap hit of $863,334 per season, which runs through the end of the 2025-26 season, after which he will become a restricted free agent. This gives the Kings the right to keep him, but it also means they'll soon need to make a decision about his next deal.

The Kings' current focus is on re-signing winger Adrian Kempe, whose contract expires next summer. General Manager Ken Holland is prioritizing Kempe's deal before turning his attention to Clarke's extension. This has led to speculation about Clarke's future in Los Angeles, as other teams are monitoring the situation.

However, sources indicate that the Kings' plans very much include Clarke. Head coach Jim Hiller and his staff "depend on Clarke a lot" and see him as a key piece moving forward. Clarke's offensive instincts, in particular, are viewed as a real strength, with the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman.

While a lack of an extension has sparked speculation about his future, the Kings are expected to begin extension talks with Clarke soon. Options range from a short-term "bridge deal" to a long-term contract potentially worth around $7-8 million per season. The Kings retain leverage in negotiations, as Clarke will remain under team control when his entry-level contract expires.

Clarke's importance to the Kings is further highlighted by the departures of Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence, creating an even bigger role for him on the team's blue line. Last season, Clarke led all Kings defensemen in takeaways and high-danger chance differential.

Clarke himself has expressed a desire to play more in key moments, stating, "I want to get back to playing those late game situations...that's where I feel like I strive the most, is when stuff's on the line and the pressure rises". He has been working on his strength and skating, and feels ready for the challenge.