The Future of Brandt Clarke
The Los Angeles Kings are approaching a key decision regarding young defenseman Brandt Clarke as he nears the end of his entry-level contract. Currently classified as a restricted free agent, Clarke’s next deal is uncertain, especially in light of the increasing salary cap in the NHL. A promising right-shot defenseman known for his offensive capabilities, Clarke has nonetheless seen limited ice time this season under head coach Jim Hiller, raising concerns about maximizing his talent potential.
Performance Comparisons
To gain insight into what Clarke’s next contract might look like, it’s worth examining the performance of comparable defensemen across the league. Take Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild, for instance. Despite Faber having a standout rookie season, their production levels have been closely matched recently. In Clarke’s first full NHL season last year, he tallied 33 points in 78 games, slightly surpassing Faber by four points despite both playing the same number of games and with Clarke having less experience at that stage.
This season, their statistics are nearly equal, with Faber recording six goals and 15 points over 32 games played before the Wild’s matchup on Sunday, while Clarke has collected five goals and 14 points in 31 appearances. However, it’s notable that Faber has averaged significantly more ice time—25:03 minutes per game compared to Clarke’s 16:18, which could affect their overall comparisons. Faber signed an impressive eight-year contract worth $68 million, averaging $8.5 million per year, after his first full campaign in the NHL.
Another Benchmark: Sean Durzi
Another potential comparison is Sean Durzi, who formerly played for the Kings and currently represents the Utah Mammoth. Durzi’s first NHL season yielded 27 points in 64 games. While Clarke’s initial two seasons contained limited games, they only totalled eight points in 25 NHL encounters, making a head-to-head comparison tricky. In his second year with the Kings, Durzi had a successful campaign, scoring nine goals and accumulating 38 points in 72 games while averaging 19:47 on the ice—numbers that closely reflect Clarke’s output from last year.
Durzi is currently in a four-year contract worth $24 million, averaging $6 million per season, which might serve as another benchmark for Clarke’s upcoming negotiations. As the Kings continue to navigate their current season, marked by a mixed record that includes more losses than wins, any discussions regarding Clarke’s contract could lead either to a bridge deal akin to Durzi’s or a longer tenure resembling Faber’s.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the determination of Clarke’s future contract rests on varying perspectives from Kings GM Ken Holland and Clarke’s representation. The remainder of this season and the upcoming offseason will be critical as they assess how to strategically align Clarke’s potential with the organization’s goals.
