Amidst the 2026 NHL Entry Draft news, the Los Angeles Kings have made a contract extension. Brandt Clarke signs a five-year extension with the Kings, worth $7.4 million per year. He was drafted eighth overall by the Kings in 2021 and scored eight goals and 32 assists for 40 points in 82 games. He also had an assist in four Stanley Cup Playoff games this season.
WE HAVE A SIGNING TO ANNOUNCE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/D0ccJpKpQ9
— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 26, 2026
Brandt Clarke Signs Extension With Kings, Lock Up Top 4 Defender
For the Kings, this is a good value contract, as they lock up their second line right defender. He is emerging as a top-pair defender, especially as the veteran Drew Doughty continues to get older and decline in his play. Clarke has been useful for the Kings in multiple facets, being a power play quarterback, playmaker, and defined by his high hockey IQ. He will activate as a “fourth forward” up the ice if necessary to drive the offence as well.
Clarke has scored 15 goals, 66 assists for 81 points in 185 career games with the Kings. In the 2025-26 season, he led the Kings in points amongst defencemen. He had 40 points, including 18 primary assists, with only four blueliners posting more at 5-on-5. Clarke also led the NHL in blocked shots last season with 170. That shows his dedication to putting his body on the line, while still producing offensively.
(Credit Image: © Jordan Teller/ISIPhotos via ZUMA Press Wire)
What It Means
That type of two-way play will be essential to the Kings as they continue to improve their roster under new head coach Peter Laviolette.
That was one tidy bit of business for the Kings. Good that they were able to complete this deal before July 1st or Clarke would have gotten to free agency.
Main photo by: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
