Brandt Clarke is the top scoring defenceman in the AHL

VCRW said:
After watching Spence getting steamrolled lately against the Isles, Rangers, VGKs and the Oilers, I respectfully disagree.
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His size is a concern so no problem with that take. Blake should be making his decision before long.
 
VCRW said:
After watching Spence getting steamrolled lately against the Isles, Rangers, VGKs and the Oilers, I respectfully disagree.
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In theory I agree with keeping some beef on the blue line like Roy but Matt has taken a step backwards this season. He's weighing Gavrikov down and that pair has been much less impactful on the whole because of his play (and I personally think Vlad is probably still hurt). The Kings need more creativity on the back-end. Spence isn't the problem and if we ever hope to beat a team like Edmonton, Vegas or Vancouver we need puck-movers. Spence will be that player once he goes through some growing pains.
 
Statue4Deano said:
In theory I agree with keeping some beef on the blue line like Roy but Matt has taken a step backwards this season. He's weighing Gavrikov down and that pair has been much less impactful on the whole because of his play (and I personally think Vlad is probably still hurt). The Kings need more creativity on the back-end. Spence isn't the problem and if we ever hope to beat a team like Edmonton, Vegas or Vancouver we need puck-movers. Spence will be that player once he goes through some growing pains.
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Clarke is the personification of “puck mover”… if he sticks Spence will be the odd man out. Gavrikov has the puck mover role on the 2nd pairing. I believe they will once again put up top defensive numbers when Gavi is 100%. Clarke will play with Englund and QB PP#2.
 
VCRW said:
One has to think Matt Roy’s job will become Clarke’s eventual destination next year. Til then, Clarke should continue tearing it up in the A.

But thinking about Doughty, Spence and Clarke on the right side makes me smile.
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With Roy impending ufa….strong showing from Clarke may force trade.
 
Well I guess the only question that remains is how much ice time coach Todd gives him? I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do in this level. And hopefully even give us a bit of a spark cuz we sure as hell could use one.
 
Hipcheck said:
With Roy impending ufa….strong showing from Clarke may force trade.
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I was really hoping the current D could maintain the level of play we saw in the first 25 games. Since then, however, cracks have been appearing. Roy has been up and down. Spence's lack of size has been exposed. PP2 hasn't been as effective lately with Spence at the helm. And Jordan has not looked as strong in his overall individual play in recent games.

My belief was that Clarke would only have been called up in an injury situation - a temporary replacement. This situation is very different. Should he play with Englund and limit his minutes while he acclimates? Or should he play with Gavrikov to create a pairing with a higher offensive upside and allow #84 assume the more defensive role? Would a Roy/Englund pairing be steady enough to fulfill the 5/6 duties?

Right now I have more questions than answers about this team. Who gets traded at the deadline if Clarke is killing it in the NHL? Or who gets traded at the deadline if Arvy is back? Good cap management sense says it's Roy... good team building sense to finally beat Vegas or Edmonton says it's Spence (or Arvy???).

But I sure am excited to see the kid play. Been watching his stats and highlights while he has been in Ontario. He sure seems to have the goods. GKG!!!
 
The whole Clarke call-up makes little sense to me. Who is he going to replace? Spence? He hasn't been the problem. Roy? That pretty much kills his trade value. And I wouldn't really be looking to move him if we are serious about making a playoff run.

It makes sense to get Clarke a NHL look but from a roster management standpoint, I think this ends up in a scenario where we end up trading a guy for less than market value yet again.
 
hokiecat said:
The whole Clarke call-up makes little sense to me. Who is he going to replace? Spence? He hasn't been the problem. Roy? That pretty much kills his trade value. And I wouldn't really be looking to move him if we are serious about making a playoff run.

It makes sense to get Clarke a NHL look but from a roster management standpoint, I think this ends up in a scenario where we end up trading a guy for less than market value yet again.
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Market value is not the primary concern right now, this is a team with a shot at the Cup. They will try to field the best lineup possible, and if that results in an asset potentially getting less of a return, so be it. In fact, I am pretty sure the Kings would be willing to let Roy walk as a UFA of that is how things shake out. And that would be the right move if he was still the better player going into the playoffs but they intend to have Spence and Clarke on RD next season.

That said, I think this is more of a reward for Clarke than anything else. Which is not to say that if he is killing it while here, they wouldn't consider making a move. But he would have to be absolutely terrific to replace Spence and I think the odds of them sitting or trading Roy this season are pretty close to zero.
 
santiclaws said:
Market value is not the primary concern right now, this is a team with a shot at the Cup. They will try to field the best lineup possible, and if that results in an asset potentially getting less of a return, so be it. In fact, I am pretty sure the Kings would be willing to let Roy walk as a UFA of that is how things shake out. And that would be the right move if he was still the better player going into the playoffs but they intend to have Spence and Clarke on RD next season.

That said, I think this is more of a reward for Clarke than anything else. Which is not to say that if he is killing it while here, they wouldn't consider making a move. But he would have to be absolutely terrific to replace Spence and I think the odds of them sitting or trading Roy this season are pretty close to zero.
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Yep. Not letting Roy go. Can't afford to lose what little physicality we have.
 
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