If by "assuming" you mean "reading up on scouting reports on as many of them as possible, reading what people who have watched the camp, and reading (and listening to podcasts) from people who have watched (in person) Clarke play," then you're right...I'm assuming.
Every report I've read is that when Clarke can anticipate what's happening, he's great. But when he can't anticipate it he's lost and makes bad mistakes leading directly to scoring chances that shouldn't have happened.
And this is exactly where I see the bias. To any objective person he is not a no brainer to add. It's only people who have a vested interest in wanting him to succeed who think that. Objective talent evaluators just don't see him that way.
Ugh. By what objective analysis is Clarke the superior player? Name one objective hockey talking head who thinks that.
JT please cite your sources because I guarantee you I have read as much as you have and the overall opinions shared on Clarke are not negative or indicating he has low, or even average, talent. I'm not biased when it comes to Clarke and have called out his shortcomings within the thread and in previous. It would be helpful if you added more context around your theory that he lacks talent as you haven't added much in the way of specifics (other than his ability to read plays).
Recent Article:
https://lakingsinsider.com/2022/07/...lects-on-development-camp-a-whirlwind-season/
“'I think when I was when I was drafted, a lot of people were talking about my offensive capabilities and I’m not saying I let those slip – I still think I’m still getting better in that situation – but my coaches in Barrie really honed in on my defensive play, they wanted me to play against the top guys across the league,” Clarke explained. “That’s [also] what the people in LA were saying to me, they wanted to see of how I handle myself in those kinds of situations, against top guys across the OHL and I really hung in, I think I excelled.'”
You could say that his game put quite a few smiles on quite a few faces during the most recent scrimmage, between Clarke’s Team Red and the Under-18 select team. After nearly setting up a pair of power-play goals with high-danger passes, Clarke held the zone at the left point, made a man miss as he worked his way towards the net and snapped home the game-winning goal.
It was one sequence and it came in a summer scrimmage game against players younger than he is. That context is needed. But it also offered a glimpse into some of the traits that make Clarke special, namely his hockey sense in the offensive zone, his playmaking vision to create an odd-man opportunity for others and skills with the puck that are rare for a defenseman. Regardless of the context, those are great things to have and he showcased them well.
Past Articles:
https://thehockeywriters.com/brandt-clarke-top-5-talent-2021-nhl-draft/
"Projection
If all goes well and Clarke develops, he has a very good chance at becoming a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL someday. He has all the tools required to make a difference at both ends of the ice and looked really solid in his first OHL season. If I had to compare him to someone, it would be Erik Karlsson. Both of them are great skaters and see the ice exceptionally well. While Karlsson’s game has fallen off over the past few seasons, he was still a dynamic player in his prime. Time will tell if Clarke makes a big impact but at this point, all signs point to him being a great player for years to come."
https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2021/04/16/brandt-clarke-scouting-report/
"Projection and Comparison
Brandt Clarke has the potential to become a dynamic offensive defenceman going forward. He could become a franchise-changing player, as well as compete for the Norris Trophy while in his prime if he reaches his ceiling. Of course, this is no guarantee. Clarke needs to continue his development, especially in the defensive end of the ice. However, his outstanding skating ability, ability to produce offence and hockey intelligence are all high-end. Clarke has some experience playing against men, so he could challenge for a spot in camp next year, but it is more likely that a little more time in junior is needed. His game is reminiscent of Erik Karlsson, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or potential."
https://hockeyroyalty.com/2021/08/06/la-kings-brandt-clarke-the-type-player-la-has-never-had/
"The Fit
Clarke has all the makings to be the number one defenseman for the LA Kings, but there’s still time to develop his game in the junior leagues. With the OHL returning to play for the upcoming 2021-22 season, he’ll head back to join the Barrie Colts. Look for him to grow from his 38 point campaign in the 2019-20 season.
When December rolls around, look for him to be one of Team Canada’s number one offensive weapons on the blueline for the 2022 World Junior tournament. An event that will once again include a large number of Kings prospects.
I feel Clarke’s talent this upcoming season will persuade Kings management that he will be ready for the ‘big-leagues’ sooner rather than later. And although there might be a bit of a logjam on the right side of LA’s defense, for the time being, there might be a chance we see him on the Kings roster come to the start of the 2022 NHL season."
https://hockeyroyalty.com/2021/08/01/la-kings-brandt-clarke-became-a-leader-as-a-first-time-pro/
“Hard work, hard work, and once again, hard work,” stated the HC Nov? Z?mky CEO. “He is very talented and has talent from God. Now, it only needs to be developed, and I believe that it will soon become not only a part of the Kings but also a fun part of the Kings. He has the potential to become a leader of the team. He is excellent on the defensive side, but what is important is very often supporting the attack, and this is an essential feature of
modern hockey in today’s hockey, which Brandt is.”
