Report: "Fair To Say" Kings Have Made Brandt Clarke Available For Trade
Brandt Clarke, the 1st-round pick (8th overall) for the Los Angeles Kings in 2021, has reportedly been made available for trade, according to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects.
Despite a strong start to the season, where he recorded 25 points in 56 games, along with a +7 plus/minus rating and 97 blocked shots, Clarke’s role has diminished following Drew Doughty’s return to the lineup.
He has been a healthy scratch multiple times, and questions have arisen within the Kings’ front office about whether he will reach his full potential or remain more of a power-play specialist.
This situation has led to speculation that the Kings could move Clarke before the March 7 trade deadline, which would certainly be a head-scratching move.
Speaking to some people around the league, I think it's fair to say that Brandt Clarke is actively available
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 5, 2025
Internal discussions have teams wondering if he'll be able to reach his ceiling or end up as a PP specialist
LA shouldn't be in a rush though. Another year of control…
However, Los Angeles may not be in a rush to trade Clarke, as he still has another year remaining on his entry-level contract, making his $863,000 cap hit quite manageable.
Given his offensive upside and the Kings’ struggles in developing young talent, many believe it would be a mistake to part with the 22-year-old, who doesn't even have a full NHL season under his belt yet.
The team is currently focused on capitalizing its chances in the postseason, with veterans like Anze Kopitar and Doughty leading the charge.
As such, if the Kings are looking to bolster their roster with a top-six forward, Clarke could be a major asset in a trade, potentially attracting interest from teams like the Carolina Hurricanes or New York Rangers.
This is such a terrible time to be a Kings fan because this team desperately needs a trade but not one fan trusts this GM to pull off a trade that would be beneficial for LA. If they trade Brandt Clarke you might not hear from me for a while.
— Triple Crown Kings (@TripleCrownLAK) March 5, 2025
While Clarke’s reported availability shows the Kings are really considering all their options, trading him could be a short-term fix with some regretful long-term consequences.
With his potential and manageable contract, it would be a tough decision for GM Rob Blake, which makes it seem unlikely they really do move him. The Kings may opt to give Clarke more time to develop, particularly since he’s still under team control for several more years.
However, if a huge offer comes along, they may decide that dealing him is the best move to help the team contend for a Stanley Cup this season. Again, it seems unlikely they move him, but according to Robinson, the Kings have made Clarke available in the trade market.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
