D Brandt Clarke - Ontario Reign, AHL (2021, 8th, LAK)

[RememberTheName]

His brother is playing in NJ. Therefore it is the law that NJ drafts this guy.

We are kinda screwed if both him and Luke Hughes are on the board. How do we draft both of them? And lets not forget about Eklund being Holtz's linemate in the SHL right now.

 

[JimmySpaetzle]

His brother is playing in NJ. Therefore it is the law that NJ drafts this guy.

It’s either that or Ottawa drafts him cuz he’s from the area one universal law will get broken

 

[LastWordArmy]

With the OHL season never quite getting off the runway due to COVID-19, the league’s top prospect, defenceman Brandt Clarke headed to Europe, playing for HC Nove Zamky in the Slovakian professional league. His game really developed while playing against men. Clarke put up five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 24 games.

The fourth overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Draft, Clarke spent the 2019-20 season with the Barrie Colts. He was a member of the league’s All-Rookie Team, and led all OHL rookies with 32 assists. Brandt also had six goals and 38 points in 57 games. He was a star, playing for Team Canada Red at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, scoring five goals and an assist in six games. His brother, Graeme Clarke, is a prospect with the New Jersey Devils, and was a third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

2021 NHL Draft #4: Brandt Clarke Scouting Report

 

[thethinglonger]

One of our very first shift-by-shifts. Clearly need to do one from a more recent game, but here's footage of Clarke from February, 2020:

 

[Bob Barker]

It’s either that or Ottawa drafts him cuz he’s from the area one universal law will get broken

Nah, he didn't go to North Dakota lol

 

[Dominance]

Clarke to Wright. Heard that a few times before, and I imagine we will again.

 

[Dominance]

 

[snipes]

Best player in the 2021 draft in my opinion.

 

[snipes]

Clarke just scored again

10-0 Canada over Sweden in the 3rd.

 

[Dominance]

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2021 first overall pick.

 

[snipes]

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2021 first overall pick.

Player of the Game award for this one as well.

Best player in the 2021 draft.

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

Player of the Game award for this one as well.

Best player in the 2021 draft.

I do wish his skating was better, but guys like Makar and Karlsson made massive gains after being drafted so Clarke might as well.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I do wish his skating was better, but guys like Makar and Karlsson made massive gains after being drafted so Clarke might as well.

His skating is great north-south. Great speed heading in that direction. His edgework when walking the offensive blueline looked stiff but not terrible. If he can clean up that part of his game then this kid is going to be absolutely deadly.

One of the comparisons I've seen thrown out there for Clarke is EK53 and I'm not sure he's going to be that kind of offensive defenseman, but Dougie Hamilton is another guy I'd consider as in Clarke's range of possible outcomes. Or maybe even prime Mike Green.

 

[kudla]

Would be so special if a 1st overall draft pick played his draft season in Slovakia
Btw he is now listed at 6'2, did he grow?

 

[beast mode]

His calm and composure sets him apart from other dman. Very good game last night. I can’t see him not going top 5 in the draft.

 

[Peasy]

Honestly was surprised when I saw some notable lists have him outside the top 10.

Theres talent evaluators out there (like Pronman) that put wayyyyyy to much value on flashy good skating imo.

Recent players like DeBrincat and J. Robertson have shown that you can still be a really effective NHLer without having amazing skating.

IQ >>>>>

Also its not always a given, but a lot of players have seen exceptional growth in their overall skating after they got drafted.

 

[BadgerBruce]

Would be so special if a 1st overall draft pick played his draft season in Slovakia
Btw he is now listed at 6'2, did he grow?

This should also allow him to play in the AHL next season, since the requirement to stay in Canadian junior hockey is based on where you were playing when drafted. If he’s drafted after playing in Slovakia, it’s AHL for BC.

 

[d rake]

Recent players like DeBrincat and J. Robertson have shown that you can still be a really effective NHLer without having amazing skating.

DeBrincat is one of, if not the Hawks best skater. He's improved his skating a alot since being drafted.

I agree with your overall point though.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

I don't understand why people praise Owen Power's skating and then knock Brandt Clarke's.

 

[Hanji]

Great player, but my lord does he have a punchable face.

 

[nowhereman]

Honestly was surprised when I saw some notable lists have him outside the top 10.

Theres talent evaluators out there (like Pronman) that put wayyyyyy to much value on flashy good skating imo.

Recent players like DeBrincat and J. Robertson have shown that you can still be a really effective NHLer without having amazing skating.

IQ >>>>>

Also its not always a given, but a lot of players have seen exceptional growth in their overall skating after they got drafted.

Pronman's a reporter, not a scout. I take his opinion with a grain of salt and then some.

 

[BigHitter67]

Honestly was surprised when I saw some notable lists have him outside the top 10.

Theres talent evaluators out there (like Pronman) that put wayyyyyy to much value on flashy good skating imo.

Recent players like DeBrincat and J. Robertson have shown that you can still be a really effective NHLer without having amazing skating.

IQ >>>>>

Also its not always a given, but a lot of players have seen exceptional growth in their overall skating after they got drafted.

Those guys are forwards. And toss in Mark Stone -another questionable skater out of jr-while youre at it.
Difference here is BC will be playing the hardest postion in hockey at the next level and glitches in his skating will be magnified. He'll defintley have a career thanks to off-the -chart IQ, puck poise,and offensive instincts but absolutely ludicrous when I see names like Makar and prime-EK as comparables..

 

[Breakers]

Great player, but my lord does he have a punchable face.

Got a little Jarko Ruuto in him.

 

[Gstank]

I think Clark has separated himself from the pack and is mostly likely going to be the second defenseman off the board. RHD Offensive Defense with a very strong U18 so far gives him the advantage over the likes of Hughes and Edvinsson

 

[flying v 604]

This should also allow him to play in the AHL next season, since the requirement to stay in Canadian junior hockey is based on where you were playing when drafted. If he’s drafted after playing in Slovakia, it’s AHL for BC.

That's not true. The Colts loaned him, he is still under the same rules unless there is no OHL season next year.