Reason #3: Los Angeles Kings are looking to trade Brandt Clarke
The idea that the Los Angeles Kings would consider trading Brandt Clarke is somewhat ridiculous on the surface but could be gaining steam. If he were to be made available, he would be probably the most valuable trade option with his age and what he has shown to this point of his career.
After it was reported that the Kings were going to make him a healthy scratch, ESPN's Kevin Weekes floated the idea that it might be setting up a move. There have already been some big trades in the NHL over the past week and with the recent losing streak, maybe the Kings are feeling some pressure to get a deal done.
While it would depend on the type of player coming back in a trade, the idea of trading Brandt Clarke would feel like a short-sighted move. At times the Kings have looked like one of the better teams in the NHL, but what they have shown in January shows this team probably is not that close.
A player like Brandt Clarke could be a long-term player that franchises can build around so trading him for an older veteran or a player on an expiring contract feels like a bad move.