LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Brandt Clarke

Clarke spent most of the season paired with left-handed Joel Edmundson and posted strong 5v5 metrics, according to Natural Stat Trick. When Clarke was away from Edmundson, his CF% (60.7%), GF% (68.2%), xGA (10.99), xGF% (62.9%), SCF% (59.9%), and HDCF% (59.5%) were better than when playing alongside Edmundson.

But wait, there is more! Clarke also led the Kings in blocked shots with 185, with 170 coming at 5v5, with minimal to no playing time on the penalty kill. Even with the skating and defensive concerns, it’s clear Clarke held his own. In a defensive group starving for some puck movement up the ice, Clarke was the only defenseman to provide stability in that regard.

He also won Outstanding Defenseman, voted by the team and local media members.

2026-27 outlook

Clarke needed a new contract, and the Kings and his representatives did a great job securing a five-year contract for $37,000,000 ($7,400,000 AAV) before free agency. It proved to be a wise decision by general manager Ken Holland not to let it get that far, leading to a potential offer sheet.

Drew Doughty has been the Kings’ number-one right-handed defenseman for quite some time, but if the Kings want to take the next step, it is time to hand those keys over to Clarke. It’s time for him to get that prominent role and take on more responsibility, and not rely on Doughty because of his past accolades. No disrespect to Doughty, but at some point the reins need to be handed over to the next person in line.

Expect him to play with the same old swagger and confidence no matter what.