Kings sign Brandt Clarke to five-year extension
While speculation is swirling that this offseason could be one that sees an offer sheet or two doled out to major restricted free agents, one name can officially be crossed off that list as a possibility.
The Los Angeles Kings announced on Friday night that they have signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year contract extension that comes with a salary cap hit of $7.4 million.
The deal will cover the final four years in which Clarke would have been a restricted free agent and buys out one year of unrestricted free agency. According to PuckPedia, Clarke will have a 10-team no-trade clause in the final year of the deal.
WE HAVE A SIGNING TO ANNOUNCE!!!!!
Clarke, a right-handed defenseman who just turned in the best season of his young NHL career, posted 40 points on 8 goals and 32 assists while appearing in all 82 regular season games.
He did that while taking on the most responsibility he’s had in his young career, as he logged an average of 19:48 of time on ice per game after garnering 16:17 in 2024-25, his first full season in the NHL.
The No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Clarke is a strong puck-mover and skater with offensive flair that suggests plenty of untapped offside that could help this contract age into a steal.
Among Los Angeles’ six most used defensemen, the Kings generated the most 5-on-5 expected goals for with Clarke on the ice (2.9 per 60 minutes) while controlling 54.57% of the expected goals.
Brandt Clarke 5 year $7.4M Cap Hit #GOKingsGo contract: Year 1 1.4M Base & 6M Signing Bonus Year 2 3.4M & 4M SB Year 3 5.4M & 2M SB Year 4 7.4M Year 5 7.4M Year 5 includes 10 team No Trade Deal covers 4 RFA & 1 UFA year Rep'd by @EdgeSportsMngmt puckpedia.com/player/brandt-…
Clarke is now cemented as part of the Los Angeles core, a group that will look to build upon a 2025-26 campaign that saw them sneak into the Stanley Cup Playoffs only to get swept in the first round by the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.
The Kings hired Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, a move that should empower Clarke to succeed, as Laviolette is known for his fast-paced style.