Kings sign 2021 first round pick Brandt Clark to entry-level contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Tuesday that they've signed defenceman Brandt Clarke to a three-year contract worth $2.775 million ($925K AAV). Clarke was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Kings.

Clarke, 18, spent the 2020-21 season in Slovakia with Nove Zamky HC because the Ontario Hockey League didn't operate due to COVID-19. In 26 games, he tallied 13 points (6 G, 7 A), 41 penalty minutes, and was a +6. The Nepean, Ontario native is expected to return to his OHL club, the Barrie Colts, for the 2021-22 season, which begins in October.

Internationally, Clarke has represented Canada on a couple of occasions, most recently at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship in Texas. In seven games, he recorded seven points (2 G, 5 A), no penalty minutes, and was a +12 helping Canada win the gold medal.

Several scouts have compared Clarke's style of play to that of San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson. Clarke's vision and his smooth skating are his biggest strengths, and while he isn't known for his physical play, he certainly doesn't back down to anything thrown his way.

Clarke now becomes the fifth player from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to sign their ELC following Fabian Lysell (Boston), Zachary L'Heureux (Nashville), Oskar Olausson (Colorado), and Danila Klimovich (Vancouver).

The LA Kings have signed defenseman @brandtclarke55 to a three-year, entry-level contract. ✍️— LA Kings (@LAKings) August 10, 2021

Source: Los Angeles Kings

MUST READ

6 minutes ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Bad news just dropped for the Maple Leafs and it's getting ugly

58 minutes ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau What a doctor just said about William Carrier's injury is getting attention across the NHL

1 hour ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau A major Stan Bowman decision could change everything for Connor McDavid

2 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau The truth about Dylan Larkin and Steve Yzerman may have just been revealed by Elliotte Friedman

3 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Elliotte Friedman just dropped another major update on the failed Leafs-Canadiens blockbuster

4 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean This towering forward with multiple 30-goal seasons has unexpectedly become available: Alex Tuch

5 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean After a failed first attempt, Kent Hughes is closing in on a major trade

6 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Edmonton Oilers may land their long-awaited No. 1 goalie in blockbuster trade

MORE STORIES