Skating ultimately is the number 1 most important trait you need to be a top end D in the NHL these days, and Clarke just hasn’t been able to bring it up to a level where the worries can be alleviated. His puck skills, vision, ability to create lanes for himself are all very good, but his lack of elite footwork will limit how well he can excel at the next level imo. He doesn’t have a shot like an Evan Bouchard, who has an absolute cannon from the point. Bouchard was more physical as well imo.
D Brandt Clarke - Ontario Reign, AHL (2021, 8th, LAK)
- Thread starter MMC
- Start date
bsu
"I have no idea what I am doing" -Pat VerBleak
- Sep 27, 2017
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Top end I see a Klingberg type, his skating (knees and ankles) scare me a bit though.
Zellweger is the better offensive D though, he’s a pure dynamo dancing the line and creating offence. Clarke still very good in that aspect as well though.Zellweger is on the roster
Not even close
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
The skating thing is totally overblown. Edit: at least re: speed, movement, agility. @bsu 's comment above makes sense and is fair but too many people other here just insinuating he's a bad skater and writing him off and that's just flat out false.
He's an ugly skater, not a bad skater.
He's an ugly skater, not a bad skater.
TheGreenTBer
the only language I speak is FAILURE
- Apr 30, 2021
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So you're saying his skating has a great personality?
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
YOu don't want to be seen with it but you enjoy its company
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
I agree he may be one of the better prospects long term, but I don’t think he’s arguably better than any of those guys right now currently. As much as he probably projects better than someone like Jack Thompson, I’d take Thompson today over him. Bigger body, skates better and can hammer the puck. I really like Cormier, Zellweger as more undersized but skilled puck movers. I think I’d take Clarke over Seeley though.
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
I do think Clarke is pretty raw, so this is all fair.
You can see the potential dripping off him but there's a lot of work to be done yet so it would make sense if others feel the other guys are at least currently more polished and prepped even if I disagree.
For sure, I could totally see why someone would want Clarke on this team and you can easily make the argument for it, but I do think it’s a tougher decision for the HC brass than most think. A guy like O’rourke or Hunt who don’t have big name recognition have been HC favourites for years. I see those guys as having the upside to become a Jake Muzzin style player at the next level, and Muzzin got zero hype in his Soo days.
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
Maaaan this guy is going to be a problem.
Sky is the limit but this guy's vision and improvisation is second to none. His ability to shake checks and buy time and space is better than even rookie Doughty.
Sky is the limit but this guy's vision and improvisation is second to none. His ability to shake checks and buy time and space is better than even rookie Doughty.
Mcsorley47
Registered User
He certainly came as advertised and was easily the most impressive player to me. I wrote more in the "San Jose Rookie Faceoff" thread. It was just one game, but it was very encouraging.
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bsu
"I have no idea what I am doing" -Pat VerBleak
- Sep 27, 2017
- 28,539
- 29,293
Klingberg-type 2.0 He was definitely the best player on the ice in that game.
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
GermanSpitfire
EU Video Scout for McKeen’s | Rest Easy #13
I still have my doubts about his game but I was very impressed with him yesterday. Hopefully he can keep it up - he looks good!
SaltyElkHunter
I …. am…. The LA Kings!
Looked even better today and I love the chip on his shoulder. Kid has a lot of FU in his game and I love it. Reminds me of Doughty more and more every month.
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MichaelFarrell
Registered User
He should have some FU in him. I can’t remember the last time a top 10 D prospect in his D+1 year didn’t make the world junior team. He was Canada’s best D at the U18 last year as well and he was totally snubbed.
He’s been pretty underrated since being drafted so I’m excited to see if he can generate some hype.
Bounces R Way
Registered User
I don't care that they won gold, I'm still mad he wasn't even invited to the Canadian WJC team
Akrapovince
Registered User
- May 19, 2017
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His skating looks way better than I remember. Now his tools can shine more
Raccoon Jesus
Draft em but don't play em
Very similar in that he was all breakout and offense but had a lot of work to do defensively.
Frolov 6'3
Unregistered User
Doughty was extremely steady defensively already in pre season and therefore made the team.
Playing for a weak team didnt do his offensive numbers any favors but he set that straight in his sophomore season.
No big defensive issues. I think that might be different with Clarke.
Playing for a weak team didnt do his offensive numbers any favors but he set that straight in his sophomore season.
No big defensive issues. I think that might be different with Clarke.
