Brandt Clarke

Skating:

Great- Good strides, good top end speed, strong cuts and edges. Showed flashes of brilliant lateral movements.

Passing/Handling:

Excellent- Fantastic puck mover, especially in transition up the ice. His skill is good enough to quarterback a power play.

Shooting:

Great- Quick release off his stick, booming slap shot.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Low panic- Very poised when under pressure.

Forechecking:

Decent- Isn't the most physical defender, but will put in the work.

Defense:

Good- Something he's really improved since joined the Reign in the AHL. Good gap control, great use of his stick to take away passing/shooting lanes, good at one on one battles, especially in front of the net.

Best Asset:

Puckhandling

Biggest Concern:

Physicality- While his defensive game has come along, he still needs to work on his physicality and continue getting stronger.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Best case scenario, he becomes a #1 defenseman who can play in every situation.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

1D

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Worse case scenario, he becomes a solid top 4 or top 6 defenseman with good offensive tools and decent defensive game.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

2D or 3D

Stylistic Comparable:

Drew Doughty

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Clark is a dynamic offensive defenseman with brilliant puck skills and a high hockey IQ. He sees the ice very well and isn't afraid to jump in on the offense. His two-way game has come a long way as he's become more responsible in his own end by providing great gap control and excellent man on man coverage. He will need to continue getting strong and provide some more physicality to fulfill the potential of being a #1 defenseman in the NHL.