Though there’s a lot of speculation that the Maple Leafs are going to trade for some much needed firepower to their forward group, as coming off three straight losses and a sudden lack of offense has made the need for a trade even more important.
But if Brad Treliving wanted to make a big splash, and perhaps find his next superstar, he should buck the trend of going after some solid depth and instead try and acquire Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke.
.@KevinWeekes speculated they might move Brandt Clarke… and it seemed ridiculous for the Kings to even consider it
But now you’ve scratched your top scoring defenceman two games in a row.
It’s odd. I don’t know what it means but it’s odd. https://t.co/Xd8cQemYUo
— Adam Wylde (@AdamWylde) January 30, 2025
Brandt Clarke Would Be Perfect Trade For Maple Leafs
The Leafs are in a really tough spot in terms of their defense; at least in terms of the future. Their top four is all over 30, and are going to only get older as the seasons pass, so if the team was worried about the future, Clarke is the answer.
Drafted eighth overall by the Kings in 2021, Clarke has been scratched two games in a row, and given he’s the team’s leading scorer on the blueline, it’s a bit perplexing.
From Kings HC Jim Hiller……
David Rittich in net …
Otherwise, NO changes which means Drew Doughty in, Brandt Clarke out (2nd consecutive healthy scratch).
Have at it.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) January 30, 2025
Whether head coach Jim Hiller is trying to experiment, or has some cold feet about putting Clarke under a lot of pressure and wants to give him a break, it’s unfortunate for Clarke.
This season with the Kings, he has three goals and 21 assists while adding 82 blocks, and added nearly three minutes of ice time compared to last season.
The legs on Brandt Clarke are ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/NQVOoWjc4b
— Turcotte S&R Revenge Szn (@TopCheddar69) January 24, 2025
While it would take a king’s ransom to acquire such a big named stud, Toronto might be doing themselves a favor by trading for him. He would immediately be Morgan Rielly’s successor and replacement, and potentially let the Leafs send him home and bring back some key reinforcements.
Brandt Clarke is someone who is worth losing Cowen and or Minten + for.
Go big or go home.— Edna Garrett (@WatchMyReview) January 29, 2025
He would also offer a defensive improvement over Rielly, and though he’s certainly not as seasoned, he’s only improving while the Leafs blueliner is on the downswing.
Clarke is in the second year of his ELC and only makes $863,000 for this season and the next, and if Toronto can get him locked up for good, it could be Morgan Rielly 2.0, but this time successful.
