NHL Insider Predicts Drew Doughty Return Could Lead to Kings Trading Young Defenseman

Brandt Clarke is just 21 years old.

Clarke is just 21 years old. | Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is set to make his regular-season debut on Wednesday night after breaking his ankle in an exhibition game this past September.

According to one league insider, the 35-year-old's return may not bode well for one of their young building blocks.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), NHL insider Kevin Weekes wrote, "With the return of Doughty to [the Kings] lineup, [Brandt] Clarke—who leads the team in PTS by [a defenseman]—appears to be a healthy scratch tonight."

He continued: "Perhaps Kings setting up a move with his ice time diminishing."

**Keep An Eye 👁️ On**
With the return of D Doughty to @LAKings lineup, D Clarke who leads the team in PTS by D appears to be a healthy scratch tonight. Perhaps Kings setting up a move with is ice time diminishing. #GOKINGSGO #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/rsFSFh3ses

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 29, 2025

Trading Clarke—who is just 21 years old and was selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft—would be a stunning move to make by L.A. but as we know in sports, crazier things have happened.

As for Doughty, the five-time NHL All-Star and 2016 Norris Trophy winner returns for the Kings on Wednesday as they get set to take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. L.A. is currently 26-15-6 and third in the Pacific division.

Puck drop from Sunrise, Fla.'s Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.

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