Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brant Clark is set to negotiate a new contract after this season, as he is in the final year of his entry-level deal and is a restricted free agent (RFA). With the NHL salary cap likely rising, the terms of Clark’s next contract are uncertain. Clark is a skilled defenseman with offensive potential and a valuable right-handed shot, but his playing time has been limited under Kings coach Jim Hiller, which has kept his full potential from shining through.
To gauge the possible value of Clark’s next contract, comparisons can be made with other NHL defensemen. For example, Minnesota Wild’s Brock Faber had an impressive rookie year, although Clark’s production hasn’t significantly improved since his start. Last season, Clark scored 33 points in 78 games, slightly outpacing Faber in points despite less overall NHL experience. This season, their offensive stats are similar, with Clark having five goals and 14 points in 31 games, and Faber six goals and 15 points in 32 games. However, Clark averages just over 16 minutes on ice per game, while Faber plays around 25 minutes, indicating Faber might be seen as the stronger overall player. Faber secured an eight-year, $68 million contract after his first full NHL season, highlighting a potential high-end benchmark for Clark, according to Clark’s agent Randy Robitaille.
Another comparison is with Sean Durge of the Utah Mammoth. Though Clark’s first two seasons were plagued by limited game appearances, making comparisons tricky, Durge had 27 points in 64 games during his rookie season. In his second year—the same stage Clark is at—Durge tallied nine goals and 38 points in 72 games with nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game, close to Clark’s performance last year. Durge is currently on the second year of a four-year contract worth $24 million total, averaging $6 million annually.
The length of Clark’s upcoming contract will likely play a large role in negotiations. The Los Angeles Kings’ GM Ken Holland and Clark’s agent may have differing ideas, especially given Clark’s limited role and ice time in Los Angeles. This tension could lead to a shorter, bridge-style contract similar to Durge’s, rather than a long-term deal like Faber’s. The Kings have the rest of this season and the offseason to decide on the future of the 22-year-old defenseman.
Fan Take: This contract negotiation is crucial for Kings fans hoping to see Brant Clark reach his full potential on the ice. How the team values and invests in young defensemen like Clark could influence the Kings’ long-term competitiveness and impact the evolving market for promising NHL defensemen overall.
