Defenseman Brandt Clarke is set to skate in his second full season in the NHL as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. It has been an interesting start to Clarke's career to say the least. While he hasn't set the world on fire, the 22-year-old has been a valuable piece to the Kings blue line in his first 103 games. Despite that, Clarke has found himself in the middle of trade rumours for quite some time now, but as of now it seems like the Kings will be keeping their dynamic young defender as the 2025-26 quickly approaches.
2024-25 Season
Last year was Clarke's first season as an NHL regular. He had appeared in nine games in 2022-23 and 16 games in 2023-24 before taking the leap to the big leagues in 2024-25. Last season, the former eighth overall pick scored five goals to go with 28 assists for 33 points in 78 games. In those 78 games, Clarke managed to accumulate a +13 rating while averaging 16:17 TOI per game. Nine of his 33 points came on the power-play, where he will likely excel over the course of his career if given the opportunity.
The youngster got his first taste of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey when the Kings faced the Edmonton Oilers for the fourth straight season. In the six game series he played well but didn't necessarily stand out. Clarke scored two goals with no assists while having a +1 rating.
A solid season overall but if he wants to remain a King long term, he will have to continue to improve, which starts with a crucial 2025-26 season.
2025-26 Expectations and Stat Predictions
PuckPedia currently has Clarke on the second pair with Joel Edmundson. It seems unlikely that he will be getting first pair minutes unless Drew Doughty goes down to injury or his play declines, which hopefully neither of those things occur. PuckPedia also has him manning the blue line on the second power-play unit. I could see him taking some reps on the number one unit if things ever stall out and they need a change. If that happens Clarke must take that opportunity and run with it.
Playing second line minutes all season could be beneficial for Clarke who will likely be facing every team's middle six for the majority of games. This will allow him to refine his defensive game while not feeling the pressure of having to shutdown a team's star player(s) all night long.
Clarke is a pending RFA that will be looking for a new deal come summer 2026. If he wants one of those juicy long term deals that teams have been handing out to young players recently, he will need to take a major step.
I'm expecting a big improvement from the Canadian in 2025-26. I have him scoring 12 goals to go with 45 assists for 57 points. This prediction mainly lies on the amount of ice time he receives, particularly on the power-play. If he can get over 18:00 TOI per game along with at least a shot at the PP1 job, I see him achieving 57 points with no issue.
Future Uncertain
While the Kings are moving forward with him for now, the fact that his name has been in rumours for quite some time now has me pondering about Clarke's future in California.
Like I mentioned above, he is a pending RFA which could play a big part in the Kings plans for Clarke's future. Many solid young players who reach the summer as an RFA often find themselves in a tough spot, dealing with constant rumours, negotiations and the thought potential of arbitration would send shivers down any sane person's spine.
There are a plethora of situations that could play out including a trade, an offer sheet, a bridge deal, or a long-term deal. For L.A. fans sakes, lets hope Clarke has a great 'sophomore' season and earns himself a permanent spot on the Kings blue line for years to come.
Stay tuned in with your Los Angeles Kings here at The Hockey News, as the 2025-26 season inches closer.