Insider Breaks Down Latest Rumors on Kings' Brandt Clarke: "Everyone just calm down."

3 weeks ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

Rumors were all a-buzz around the Los Angeles Kings after the pair of healthy scratches this week of recent 8th overall pick Brandt Clarke. He must be on the trade block, was the theory being floated. Insider Elliotte Friedman agreed that teams were calling the Kings asking about the soon-to-be 22-year-old blueliner. But according to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, we can all put those thoughts to rest. The Kings have spoken. Clarke isn't going anywhere. I talked to pretty much everybody in the Kings organization (Wednesday) night and they all kind of were like, 'Okay, we get it, but everyone just calm down'. They love Brandt Clarke. He is not on the trade block. They're not actively trying to trade him. I don't even think they're engaged in any discussions involving Brandt Clarke. They really like this kid.The scratches were really a matter of timing. Top rearguard Drew Doughty just returned from a lengthy stay on IR, and the Kings had nine defensemen on the roster. Something had to give, and for this week, Clarke simply drew the short straw. Pagnotta noted that LA has liked what they've seen of the Jordan Spence/Joel Edmundson pairing, so they didn't touch them for now. But he also figures that Clarke will get back into the lineup in short order, possibly for their game Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.The youngster has 24 points in 47 games this season with a plus/minus rating of +8. He's blocked 82 shots, while playing 17:01 of ice time per night. The Kings are currently in 3rd place in the Pacific Division, but hold a very tenuous one-point lead on the Calgary Flames in 4th and a two-point edge on the Vancouver Canucks in 5th. Photo: © Terrence Lee-Imagn Images...

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