Kings Clarke Named to AHL All-Rookie Team

On Wednesday, the AHL announced the All-Rookie team for the 2023-24 season.

Among those named is a familiar one for Los Angeles Kings fans, with 2021 8th overall pick Brandt Clarke on the team.

Clarke joins Joel Blomqvist (Pittsburg Penguins), Logan Mallioux (Montreal Canadiens), Josh Doan (Arizona Coyotes), Brad Lambert (Winnipeg Jets) and Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars).

Clarke ranks second among all AHL rookie defenders with 42 points in 47 games this season. His nine goals and 33 assists give him the highest points-per-game average (0.89) among first-year defensemen.

This follows an OHL season where Clarke was one of the most productive blueliners in recent memory.

He's proved once again that the points will follow wherever he goes.

In his 16 games with the Kings Clarke posted six points and a -6 rating, although it's worth noting that the bulk of those 16 games were in the Kings' slide just before Todd McLellan was fired.

The story is the same with Clarke. The offense is undeniable, but his defensive game and physicality still need work.

A season in the AHL where he has been dominant has been excellent for his development. 

Following up his fantastic regular season with a strong performance in the playoffs should set him up for an excellent season as a full-time NHLer come October.

With another summer to improve on his weaknesses, and a potential opening on the right side of the Kings' blueline (depending on what happens with Matt Roy) Clarke can be an impact player for the team next season.

If nothing else, he should have a full-time roster spot and should get a chance to quarterback the second power-play unit.

As we saw on his first NHL goal, his skill is already at a high-end level for the NHL and seeing it for 82 games next season will be a joy for Kings fans.