This past summer saw the Los Angeles Kings front office turnover much of the roster on the blue line, including losing Jordan Spence and Vladislav Gavrikov to other teams in the East via free agency this offseason. To replace Gavrikov and Spence on the blue line, new general manager Ken Holland and the Kings signed veteran defensemen Cody Ceci (Dallas Stars) and Brian Dumoulin (New Jersey Devils).
Reports indicate the Los Angeles Kings front office explored trade options for defenseman Brandt Clarke in the 2025 offseason
Despite the moves to add more proven experience and physicality to the blue line via free agency earlier this summer in the 2025 offseason, the Kings are still looking around for other moves to change potentially the defensive core unit for this upcoming season.
It was reported by Michael Russo last week that the Kings considered trading Clarke on the blue line earlier this offseason on the trade block.
Holland and the Kings' front office opted not to trade Clarke earlier this offseason. The front office reportedly wants to "get eyes on him [Clarke]" before making a final decision regarding whether to trade him for this upcoming season.
At just 22 years old, Clarke scored five goals and 33 total points for the Kings this past season. He also played the second-most defensive point minutes on the power play unit (in terms of average time on ice/game) for the Kings, behind only veteran Drew Doughty.
Despite his talent, potential, and production, it looks like the Kings' front office is still wanting to move some pieces around for the core defensive group on the blue line.
The idea of the Kings dealing such a young and promising core part of the LA blue line unit this upcoming season is pretty risky. The Kings already lost key depth pieces and young defensemen earlier this offseason in 2025, with Spence signing with the Ottawa Senators and Gavrikov leaving for a seven-year contract with the Rangers.
That said, it sounds like the Kings' coaching staff and front office are wanting to give Clarke more time with key elevated minutes on the blue line for LA this upcoming season.