Kings Need Not Panic Over Youngster’s Early Defensive Struggles

Growing pains can happen with younger players. It is just part of the sport and part of growing as an athlete. The early defensive struggles are expected for a blueliner transitions to a full-time NHL role. Kings defenceman Brandt Clarke is one of those players that has experienced those growing pains. He has all the talent in the world and the potential is truly there. Let’s take a dive into his season.

Clarke’s 2024-2025 Season

The eighth overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Brandt Clarke has the potential to be the Kings’ next franchise defenceman. With a keen offensive sense and high hockey IQ, it is no wonder he first broke into the league at 19 in 2022. Entering into his first full campaign, there are high expectations.

Clarke went into camp knowing he would come away with an NHL role. The injury to veteran defenceman Drew Doughty solidified that the Kings will be relying on Clarke in key situations. This expanded role is important to his development as he finds his game at the NHL level.

Clarke has already proven his ability to rise to the occasion and shine offensively. He had two goals and four assists for 6 points in 16 appearances last season. In this young season, he already has three points, all assists. These numbers are very promising for the young defenseman.

Defensive Growing Pains

Best described as an “offense-first defenceman”, Clarke has struggled defensively. While there is a very small sample size and it does take players and teams a little while to re-discover their footing, Clarke’s defense was already a big question going into the season. He finished last season with a plus/minus -6 and is currently even three games into this season.

His ice time has increased significantly this season. Throughout 25 games spread over the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, he averaged 13:39 minutes a night. This season, he is averaging 17:20 minutes. The increased responsibility is clearly something that he is not quite used to at the NHL level. In three games this season, he has already taken four penalties. This is a telltale sign that he is struggling to keep up with plays on the backend.

Clarke’s skating was a concern going back to before the Kings drafted him. There is no denying that he is a good skater that can outmaneuver even some of the leagues best players in the offensive zone. He tends to struggle maintaining speed in transition. This key issue has been magnified watching him play at the NHL level. Skating is notoriously one of the hardest things to “fix” in hockey, but it is not impossible. In Clarke’s case, it is about improving his stride as he goes from one end of the ice to the other. Given his age, this is entirely doable with the right coaching.

Clarke’s Ceiling

The Kings are prepared for Clarke’s struggles adjusting his game to the NHL level. At just 21 years old, he is still developing as a player. The team needs to trust the process and be a little bit lenient with him as he finds his footing in the league. Although these mistakes will be frustrating, allowing him to make them will hopefully pay off in the long run.

Clarke has the potential to be star. The modern offensively-minded, fast-paced style of play compliments Clarke’s skillset well. This style empowers defenseman to take more risks, especially to generate offence which is something that Clarke is very adept at. If he is able to improve his skating and manage these risks responsibly, it would not be surprising to see him develop into one of the league’s premier offensive defenceman.