Hockey Patrol has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
Maple Leafs Receive Encouraging Update on Potential Morgan Rielly Successor
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
A new report from RG.org regarding Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke shows that GM Ken Holland might not be committed to him; and Toronto needs to keep tabs.
With the discussion this summer being heavily centered around the Toronto Maple Leafs potential to make a deal, there are questions about what kind. Do they bring in that top-six forward to replace Mitch Marner? Some middle-six depth? How about a power play quarterback on their back end?
It seems like when they make a move (eventually) it's going to fill a big need for the team and it seems like patience will pay off.
What Ken Holland's Comments Really Signal About Brandt Clarke's Future
However, it might also pay off for them when it comes to their future too. According to a report from RG.org, the Los Angeles Kings are not exactly committed to young defenseman Brandt Clarke as he comes into a contract year.
The article states that the main issue is that GM Ken Holland wants to have a wait and see approach (literally) to Clarke, and that while he has an idea of what he has; he wants to be sure:
I think he's a really talented guy with a bright future. Now we've got to figure out where it's going. I think the best way is toI mean, I know him, but I don't know him. Do you know what I mean? Right.
I mean, I was sitting in Vernon, B.C., all winter, you know, watching games. I mean, I've talked to people. I've got to get to camp and watch. I've got to see him on the ice, and I've got to talk to him and have a meeting with him. And I've got to get a feel for, I know the team, but I don't know the team, if you know what I mean.
I've spoken to [director of hockey operations] Jake Goldberg. I've talked to [assistant GM] Nelson Emerson. But I still trust my own eyes as well for an opinion.
I mean, I was sitting in Vernon, B.C., all winter, you know, watching games. I mean, I've talked to people. I've got to get to camp and watch. I've got to see him on the ice, and I've got to talk to him and have a meeting with him. And I've got to get a feel for, I know the team, but I don't know the team, if you know what I mean.
I've spoken to [director of hockey operations] Jake Goldberg. I've talked to [assistant GM] Nelson Emerson. But I still trust my own eyes as well for an opinion.
That's quite the turnaround from months ago where we thought that Clarke was a mainstay for years to come, but with Rob Blake leaving and Holland coming in; things are much different in California, and it doesn't sound like a GM who is ready to dish out long-term money without following his gut.
How Toronto Could Move If Clarke Quietly Becomes Available
If we are getting into the thick of things as we approach the trade deadline, and Los Angeles is still bullish on Clarke, then Toronto needs to do everything in their power to acquire him.
Clarke, 22, had 33 points in 78 games for the Kings last year (5 goals, 28 assists) along with 121 blocks and a plus-13 rating. At 6'2, 200 pounds and a right-handed shot he makes a perfect addition to replace Morgan Rielly.
Toronto would need to dish Rielly out of town but perhaps LA isn't the worst place he could go; it's on the west coast and he'd be fairly close to his home province of BC.
Plus Rielly can provide the team a much more reliable offensive presence than Drew Doughty and his history of being extremely durable will certainly help a Kings team that's struggled to stay healthy.
An inkling of Clarke being available means that Toronto also shouldn't be afraid to trade their future to improve their future; that means Ben Danford and their 2028 first rounder could (and should) be in play.
There is no guarantees that Toronto can make a trade to acquire Clarke, who is expected to have an incredibly bright future in the league.
But that doesn't mean they shouldn't throw a king's ransom towards Los Angeles (no pun intended) and give it a shot.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 1099 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Receive Encouraging Update on Potential Morgan Rielly Successor Do you think Brandt Clarke is a good pickup for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 698 | 63.5 % |
| No | 401 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||