DRAFT: LA Kings select forward Elton Hermansson at 19th overall + Brandt Clarke extension

Day one of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft came and went.

The LA Kings made noise minutes before the draft started, announcing defenseman Brandt Clarke had been signed to a five-year extension, then drafting Elton Hermansson at 19th overall.

Elton Hermansson selected at 19th overall

The Kings entered the draft with the 17th overall pick. Instead of staying put, Ken Hollan, Mark Yannetti, and co., opted to trade down two spots (19) and added the 83rd pick in the process. It marked the third straight year the Kings traded back in the first round.

With center Ilia Morozov and defenseman Ryan Lin available, the Kings selected 18-year-old Hermansson out of Sweden. Hermansson is a great skater with a strong right-handed shot and offensive upside.

Hermansson played professionally for MoDo (Sweden) at 17 and posted 21 points (11 G, 10 A) in 38 games. He was the leading scorer for Sweden in the U-18 World Championships and was named the tournament’s Best Forward. He is expected to play for MoDo in the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Even with the skill and tremendous stickhandling in his repertoire, I see Hermansson’s path to the NHL as a projected middle-six forward with skill. But, welcome to LA, Elton!

Brandt Clarke inks extension

The Kings had one internal free agent priority this summer, and that was Clarke. Avoiding the dreaded free agency deadline, the Kings and Clarke agreed to an extension for five years for $37 million ($7,400,000 AAV).

Although I wish there were an extra year or two of term, this is a solid win for both parties. For the Kings, they get Clarke’s deal out of the way and secure him for semi-long-term. With Drew Doughty entering the season in the final year of his contract, Clarke should see his role elevated at some point this year, if not then in 2027.

For Clarke’s side, the five years will lead him to free agency at age 28. When his role elevates, so should his production, leading to him eventually earning a bigger payday with the salary cap and player salaries continuing to spike.

Featured image credit: Steven Ellis/The Nation Network

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