LOS ANGELES — After spending time between the American Hockey League and the NHL this season, defenseman Brandt Clarke achieved something that all newcomers dream of last Saturday, scoring his first career goal in the pros.
It wasn’t just any old goal, though. Clarke’s—the breakaway overtime winner—sealed the Kings’ crucial road victory over the best team in the league, the Boston Bruins.
Clarke played in nine games for Los Angeles last season, tallying two assists in limited action. He started this season with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, before receiving the callup in early January to Los Angeles to make his season debut against the Capitals. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 draft tallied his first point of the season, a power-play helper, on Jan. 24 against the Sabres. Then, L.A. wisely sent him back to the AHL on Feb. 1 to allow him to appear in more action, as the NHL held its All-Star break.
Clarke was recalled to the Kings on Feb. 8 as he was one of the top rookie defensemen in the AHL this season, playing in 32 games with Ontario. Clarke’s 33 points only trail San Diego’s Olen Zellweger and Laval’s Logan Mailloux for the rookie defenseman lead. Since being recalled, though, Clarke has shown serious promise. He’s tallied four points in five games since coming back to the big leagues.
The Ottawa native’s overtime winner against the Bruins was magical; after serving two minutes for hooking, Clarke exited the penalty box at just the right time. As soon as Kings center Phillip Danault intercepted a pass from Boston’s winger David Pastrnak, Danault sent the puck to a wide-open Clarke, who turned on the jets. Left all alone, Clarke dangled the puck to beat Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark at the right side of the net for the goal with just 27 seconds remaining in overtime.
BRANDT CLARKE. GAME-WINNING GOAL. FIRST NHL GOAL. 👑
— NHL (@NHL) February 17, 2024
Can you name a better way to record your first career goal than an @Energizer overtime winner on a breakaway? pic.twitter.com/wgnF3dw2uv
Even as a defenseman, Clarke’s offensive ability shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s always been advertised as an offensive-minded blueliner since being drafted, which will give L.A. a consistent point producer from the blue line, something they haven’t always had this season, for hopefully years to come. Clarke is ambitious; his ability to read the ice and develop plays on the spot allows for him to take chances and be the difference maker.
Like many offensively strong blueliners, Clarke could ramp up his defensive solidity a bit to make him more well-rounded at the position. His offensive ambition sometimes makes him impulsive with the puck when under pressure. Nonetheless, at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Clarke’s frame and elite skating ability give him the tools to be a force in all three zones.
Earlier in his career, Clarke played two spectacular seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts, where he further proved his two-way talent. In 2022-23, Clarke posted a whopping 61 points in 31 games, plus 23 additional points in the playoffs, giving excitement to Kings fans about his brewing potential. Unlike other top draft picks from the 2021 class such as Owen Power, Matty Beniers and Mason McTavish, Clarke hasn’t had lengthy NHL time yet, but his thorough development at the minor-league level will surely be beneficial in the long term.
Clarke has future star potential written all over him, projecting as a team-first player who is not afraid to take initiative. As Los Angeles prepares to make a push for a top-three spot in the Pacific Division, Clarke will hope to continue making game-changing plays like his game-winning goal in Boston. L.A. trails the Edmonton Oilers by just two points and will need to continue playing at its peak if the team wants to forgo the Wild Card drama.
Clarke’s Hollywood dream is only just beginning as the determined Kings make their bid for a trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.