The LA Kings saw big changes to their blue line this offseason; some of the decisions were their decision, while others weren't. It started during the NHL Draft by trading Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators.
A few days later with the start of free agency, their top defenseman last season in Vladislav Gavrikov would leave to sign with the New York Rangers. To essentially replace those two on the roster, they would sign two free agents in Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin.
However, neither of those skaters is going to be able to match the production of Gavrikov or Spence. One positive that could come from these moves is the development of Brandt Clarke. The former first-round pick just completed his full season in the NHL and played in 78 games and led all Kings' defensemen in points with 33.
In watching Clarke play last season, it felt like he was just scratching the surface. This season could end up being that breakout season for the young defenseman and the Kings can help that in these three ways.
Increase his minutes
The Los Angeles Kings won't have much choice in this first way and that is to get Brandt Clarke on the ice more. Last season, Clarke had an average of 16:17 of ice time per game but was sixth in average ice time among all defenseman, behind even Jordan Spence at 16:47.
In the playoffs, that total dropped even more as he averaged under 13 minutes per game. The Kings are going to try and balance the minutes more evenly among the three defensive pairs. However if Clarke is not close to 20 minutes per game, it is a big mistake by the coaching staff and only makes some of the moves this offseason even worse.
Move him to PP1
Another way to get Clarke on the ice more is to move him up to the first power play unit this season. The Kings struggled on the power play last season until late in the regular season when they went with a five forward power play unit.
While this is a good thing to have available, it shouldn't be what they use on a consistent basis. With a defenseman like Clarke and the skill set he brings, it seems painfully obvious that he needs to be apart of the top power play unit.
Last season, Clarke had two power-play goals and seven power-play assists but was on the ice for only 46% of the power play minutes. If he gets closer to 60% or 65% the production hopefully would follow.
Give him the freedom to make plays in the offensive zone
The last thing is probably the biggest and that is Jim Hiller has to show confidence in Clarke and let him truly develop. Last season, Clarke started off the season incredibly with 10 assists in the first 11 games. The way Clarke started the season helped minimize the loss of Drew Doughty.
However, as the season went along, Clarke wasn't as much of a factor and was even a healthy scratch midway through the season. It seemed like his style of play changed or he was more tentative and not playing freely.
The Kings' head coach seemed to hint at this towards the end of the season and mentioned he was looking for Clarke to take fewer risks. Entering this season, the Kings need to let Clarke learn on the ice and feel like he can take these risks without being punished.
As he showed earlier in the season, that is when he is at his best and making some incredible plays.