We’ve got some more NHL rumours as we speed towards Friday’s trade deadline. Teams have already made massive moves ahead of the 3 p.m. March 7 deadline. However, we could see more out of clubs as they tinker with their rosters. The rumour mill has really picked up speed in the coming days with plenty of names tossed aroumd. One team that could be eyeing a major move is the Los Angeles Kings. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young defenceman that could be available.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Could Be Available
Rumour: Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects said that Brandt Clarke is actively available for trade. Clarke has played in 56 games so far this season in his first sustained action of his NHL career.
Speaking to some people around the league, I think it’s fair to say that Brandt Clarke is actively available
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…
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 5, 2025
Analysis: Robinson said that there’s been internal discussion of if Clarke will be able to reach his ceiling or if he’ll be a power-play specialist. Clarke has four goals and 21 assists for 25 points so far this campaign.
The 22-year-old has been a healthy scratch as of late and some are wondering if he’ll have a place on the roster. Kings General Manager Rob Blake could send Clarke down to the AHL’s Ontario Reign to get some playing time. The youngster probably needs some reps and he’d likely go on the top pairing in the AHL.
Clarke is also waiver exempt and can get sent down without having to worry if a team will claim him. This gives the team some flexibility when it comes to getting the Nepean, Ontario native some work.
However, the Kings could want to make a move to bolster their Stanley Cup chances. Los Angeles is currently in third in the Pacific Division and may have to face the Edmonton Oilers once again. The Oilers have been the bane of the Kings’ existence in recent memory.
What It Means
Blake will probably have to do something in order to get Los Angeles over the hump and into the second round. We mentioned in a previous edition of NHL rumours that the Kings were possibly in on Mikko Rantanen according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Landing someone like the Carolina Hurricanes forward would probably take a lot of players, prospects or a combination of the three. Clarke could be an attractive piece for the Hurricanes, who have a good history of developing young defencemen.
However, the Kings don’t need to rush in moving Clarke. The young defender still has another year on his entry-level deal. Clarke would also be a restricted free agent at the end of the deal that wraps up in 2025-26.
His cap hit of just over $863,000 is also a manageable one as well. It’s not like Clarke is taking a massive chunk out of the team’s payroll. He could also improve his play and prove the doubters in the organization wrong. Clarke is still very young and could take a step forward in his development.
There’s still a lot to be decided when it comes to Clarke’s future. However, his name could pop up in rumours as we get closer to the deadline.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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