The LA Kings and defenseman Brandt Clarke find themselves in a tight spot. The 22-year-old is heading into the final season of his entry-level deal this season. As such, the Kings will need to figure out what his next contract will look like.
That seems pretty straightforward for the former eighth overall pick from the 2021 NHL Draft. But the matter has been somewhat complicated by the trade rumors swirling about this summer.
The chatter suggested the LA Kings were willing to move the coveted young defenseman. However, the official narrative has suggested that it was not the case. While the Kings entertained offers, the club ultimately chose to pass on moving the right-shot D-man.
Now, LA Kings GM Ken Holland set the record straight on the matter. During an interview with RG Media’s James Murphy, Holland preached patience with Clarke, stating the path forward.
Holland stated:
“I think he’s a really talented guy with a bright future. Now we’ve got to figure out where it’s going. I think the best way is to…I mean, I know him, but I don’t know him. Do you know what I mean? Right.”
Holland’s comments underscore the fact that he’s relatively new to the role. Holland took over the helm this summer following the departure of Rob Blake. Despite having the full summer to get up to speed, Holland doesn’t know the team well enough to assess what a new contract for someone like Brandt Clarke could look like.
Holland looking to become familiar with LA Kings organization
The next step, it seems, is for Holland to become immersed in the LA Kings organization during training camp this fall. The longtime NHL executive became quite familiar with the Kings during his time as Edmonton Oilers GM.
However, it’s one thing to face a team, and it’s a completely different situation to join them. That situation has prompted Holland to eagerly await the start of training camp. He stated:
“I mean, I was sitting in Vernon, B.C., all winter, you know, watching games. I mean, I’ve talked to people. I’ve got to get to camp and watch. I’ve got to see him on the ice, and I’ve got to talk to him and have a meeting with him. And I’ve got to get a feel for, I know the team, but I don’t know the team, if you know what I mean.”
The opportunity to see the team up close and personal will come in about a week’s time. Training camps are set to open, allowing Holland to see what the team has for himself.
That prospect led Holland to declare:
“But I still trust my own eyes as well for an opinion.”
Holland’s eyes will tell him what the team needs moving forward. That situation includes dealing with Brandt Clarke’s next contract. The LA Kings hope that Holland’s judgment will lead the club out of the first round after facing the Edmonton Oilers yet again last spring.
Under Holland’s tutelage, this season could finally be the year the Kings get over the hump and back on the path to a championship.