Top 2021 draft prospect Brandt Clarke blocked from being loaned to Sweden

On Tuesday, it was announced that Brandt Clarke, on of the top prospects for next year's draft, would be heading to Sweden on loan from his OHL team, the Barrie Colts. The head coach of Väsby IK, the HockeyAllsvenskan team that would be getting Clarke, was extremely excited over having the talent on his team. However, it now appears all the excitement was for nothing.

According to HockeyNews.se out of Sweden, Clarke has been blocked from playing in the HockeyAllsvenskan league in 2020-21. It appears someone was not aware that HockeyAllsvenskan did not allow for loans from the OHL and the entire plan has not been scrapped despite the team making the acquisition public.

The announcement that Clarke would be joining Väsby IK seemed strange from the beginning. Reports stated it was a full season loan. However, there's been no official announcement from the Ontario Hockey League yet that the 2020-21 season has been cancelled, although that remains a distinct possibility. Ontario's Sports Minister has stated the league would only be allowed to return if all body contact had been removed due to COVID-19 protocols. It would be difficult to run a league as high level as the OHL with zero contact, especially considering many of its players are preparing to take the next step in their careers, which would be a jump to the AHL or NHL.

"Despite his young age, I am convinced that he is ready to make an impression in our team and league. It will be very exciting to have him here in Väsby," said coach Tom Tärnström about Clarke while making the announcement Tuesday. It appears he'll have to look for a possible ringer elsewhere.

MUST READ

45 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker One major detail may have just revealed the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker Dylan Larkin has officially made his choice and Elliotte Friedman unveils the details

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Dylan Larkin dealt to Western Conference Cup-contending team in 5-player trade offer proposed

3 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Brendan Gallagher's next team is now known and he reportedly reveals when he will be traded from the Canadiens

5 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Elliotte Friedman drops major news on the Maple Leafs' hiring of their new head coach

5 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Beloved NHL great announces his retirement after an unforgettable career

6 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Maple Leafs acquire a substantial haul in exchange for forward Matthew Knies in a completed trade that failed

10 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Top Toronto Maple Leafs prospect is suddenly in demand and Chayka is listening

MORE STORIES