LA Kings Sign Brandt Clarke to Three-Year Entry-Level Deal

The LA Kings’ busy off-season continues, signing 2021 first-round draft pick, defenseman Brandt Clarke, to a three-year entry-level contract.

On Tuesday, the LA Kings announced that they have signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a three-year entry-level contract.

Drafted 8th overall by the Kings in last month’s Entry Draft, Clarke adds himself to an already deep prospect pool, and the signing only solidifies that.

The LA Kings have signed defenseman @brandtclarke55 to a three-year, entry-level contract. ✍️

— LA Kings (@LAKings) August 10, 2021

A native of Ottawa, Clarke suited up for the hometown Nepean Raiders before moving on to the Greater Toronto Hockey League and then the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Colts. This past season, however, the OHL was put on hold due to COVID. As a result, the blueliner took his game to Slovakia, where he played professionally for HC Nove Zamky, registering 15 points in 26 games, further establishing himself as a bona fide offensive defenseman. The 18-year-old even had a solid showing for Canada at the U18 Championship, scoring two goals and five assists in seven games en route to gold.

LA Kings: Brandt Clarke ‘Became a Leader’ as a First-Time Pro

While he is eligible to return to the OHL this coming season, expect Brandt Clarke to make a semi-serious push to crack the Kings’ opening-night roster. Regardless of who he suits up for to begin the new season, though, Clarke is nonetheless a solid piece of the LA Kings’ long-term future — and Tuesday’s news only emphasizes that.

Brandt Clarke on Being Drafted by LA Kings: ‘Best Day of My Life’