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Los Angeles Kings Rising Star Top-10 Pick Reportedly Being Actively Shopped

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 7:36 PM ET

Brandt Clarke started the 2024/25 season strong, but for some reason, it appears as though the LA Kings are now shopping their young star defenseman as they look to make an upgrade ahead of the deadline.

Earlier in 2025, a shocking report came out that the Los Angeles Kings were preparing to trade rising star Brandt Clarke, and now with the 2025 trade deadline upon us, it appears as though their stance may not have changed.

According to a report from top insider Cam Robinson, the Kings are actively shopping Clarke, who looked spectacular in his first real crack at the NHL to start this season.

In his report, Robinson notes that the Kings may be worried that Clarke won't live up to the hype and reach his full potential, despite showing earlier in this season that he can be a player that significantly drives offense from the blue line.

In 55 games this season, most without the then injured Drew Doughty, Clarke put up 4 goals and 25 points with a +7 differential as a 22-year old, showing that he's got the makings of a top-four pairing defenseman at the highest level.

Unsurprisingly, fans in the comments weren't too excited about the prospect of trading away a 22-year old that's barely hit his strides in the NHL, with many noting that the Kings are one of the worst developers of young talent in the entire league.

The issue here isn't his contract either, as Clarke isn't an RFA until the summer of 2026, so that means a trade may not ultimately end up happening, but given the Kings clear desire to upgrade in their forward group, look for them to push hard at getting a deal done here soon.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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