This is a pretty huge day for the Clarke family. On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils announced that they had recalled forward Graeme Clarke from the American Hockey League in Utica. He has joined the team in Washington, D.C. for morning skate ahead of their matchup later tonight against the Capitals.
The Los Angeles Kings also had good news for the Clarkes as they called up young defenseman Brandt Clarke to join the team. The Kings host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday evening.
Last season, Brandt Clarke played nine games at the NHL level with the Kings, who selected him in the first round, eighth overall in the 2021 entry draft. He posted two assists and six penalty minutes during that stretch. This season, he has played 30 games with the Ontario Reign, scoring seven goals and adding 25 assists for 32 points.
In addition for the Kings on Wednesday, defenseman Tobias Bjornfot was placed on waivers.
As for his brother Graeme Clarke, it’d be an NHL debut if he makes the Devils’ lineup tonight against the Capitals. The older brother was selected in the third round, 80th overall by New Jersey, two years prior to Brandt. He recorded 25 goals and 58 points in 68 AHL games last year with the Comets. This was his highest offensive output of any level since he was 15 playing AAA. This year, he's played 27 games, scoring 11 goals and recording 10 assists for 21 points.
When Graeme excelled and impressed at the Buffalo Prospect Challenge ahead of the season, many wondered if he could crack the Devils’ roster at some point.
And it might happen tonight as head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters that he has some players who are dealing with some issues, so Clarke has arrived as insurance in the event the team needs to fill up a roster spot tonight.
The young forward is ready to go whenever as he commented, per New Jersey’s social media accounts:
“I am really excited to be here. Wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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