There always seems to be a few families in the NHL where hockey simply runs in their blood. Today a new pair of brothers joined the league as Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke and Devils winger Graeme Clarke were both called up to the NHL today.
Brandt Clark has consistently been one of the best prospects in the Kings system since they drafted him 8th overall in 2021. He already has 9 games of NHL experience but tonight will be his first opportunity to potentially crack the Kings roster full-time as the team called him up today.
The callup has been well-earned as Clarke has been arguably the best defenseman in the entire AHL this season.
Brandt Clarke was having arguably the best U21 season in the history of the AHL for a defenceman.
I'm not kidding: 32 points in 30 games for a 20-year-old D in that league is new territory in the modern AHL. Positive goal differential. Third in league scoring (first among D)!
Graeme on the other hand, has been a legit NHL prospect in his own right. While he has never had as much hype surrounding him as his brother, the former 3rd round pick has been right around a point-per-game in the AHL the last two seasons. At just 22-years-old, he still has time to develop, potentially increasing his offensive upside. He currently leads the Utica Comets in scoring this year as well, showing his offensive potential.
Graeme has ten points in his last ten games with the Comets as well as a +6 rating as well as 26 shots on goal. The 22-year-old will look to make his NHL debut tonight as the Devils take on the Washington Capitals.
