Would the Kings actually trade Brandt Clarke?

The Los Angeles Kings saw Drew Doughty make his 2024-25 regular season debut Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers, but the Kings fell flat and lost 3-0, their third straight loss and seventh defeat in their last nine games.

One notable player missing from the lineup was Brandt Clarke, who was a healthy scratch for the first time this season. The 21-year-old defender is playing in his first full NHL season with L.A., recording three goals and 21 assists for 24 points in 47 games while averaging 17:01 of ice time.

The Kings have just one win in their last five games, and have been outscored 10 to five at even strength in that span. Beyond Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, there’s a massive drop in offense for an L.A. squad that’s currently third in the Pacific Division, with teams biting at their heels.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the Kings’ struggles and whether Clarke would be a trade candidate.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Brandt Clarke was a healthy scratch Thursday night, and there’s been rumblings about trade talk. Is it much ado about nothing?

Frank Seravalli: I think so. I haven’t heard his name authentically in the mix, and one healthy scratch doesn’t make you a trade candidate.

Tyler Yaremchuk: If you’re moving on from a 21-year-old defender who has shown that much talent in his short career. I know there’s been some growing pains, but development is not a flat line, you’ve got to live through some of the valleys if you want to see the peaks. Clarke has now played 47 games this season, and he’s been asked to do a lot when Drew Doughty was out of the lineup.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…