After only 25 NHL games through his first two seasons, Brandt Clarke stepped into a full-time role this season and would play in 78 games. However, while on the surface it seemed Clarke had a regular role, his spot in the lineup always seemed to be in jeopardy under Jim Hiller.
Clarke began the season better than anyone could have expected as he was a threat in the offensive zone as a defenseman and had at least one point in four straight games at the end of October, including a game with three assists against the Vegas Golden Knights.
As the season went along though, Clarke's time on the ice continued to diminish as he was averaging over 18 minutes per game through the first 25 but that number dropped to around 15 minutes per game the remainder of the season. He would even be a healthy scratch for a few games at the end of January when Drew Doughty returned.
He would finish the year with five goals, 28 assists and a +/- of +13 while also adding two goals against the Oilers in the first round of the playoff.
Grade for Brandt Clarke's 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Kings: B
When looking at the season as a whole, in what was Clarke's first full season in the NHL, it would have to be considered promising. He would finish the year leading all Kings' defensemen in points with 33 and that is even with missing a few games during the season.
The question still remains why exactly Clarke didn't have a bigger role for the Los Angeles Kings. There is no doubt that he made some mistakes over the course of the season, but he is a young player who is still developing. The Kings need to be prepared that there will be some growing pains but there was plenty to be excited about going into next season with Brandt Clarke.