Two young Los Angeles Kings players, defenseman Brandt Clarke and winger Liam Greentree, appear in the latest U-23 NHL rankings from The Athletic, both placed in the bottom tier 7. This grouping highlights their high potential alongside areas for growth, particularly in skating. The rankings underscore the Kings' emerging core amid broader prospect evaluations.
The Athletic's Corey Pronman released his updated U-23 NHL rankings, featuring Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke at 89th overall and prospect winger Liam Greentree at 134th, both in tier 7. This lowest tier identifies players with significant upside but substantial development needs, distinguishing them from higher-ranked peers.
Clarke, selected eighth overall in the 2021 NHL draft, has solidified his role on the Kings' blue line at age 22. He is logging career-high minutes, around 18 per game, and leads his previous career marks in goals with six already. Through the season, Clarke has tallied 17 assists and 23 points, positioning him for his strongest statistical output yet if he maintains health. Scouts praise his above-average puck skills, shot, and hockey sense, enabling effective offensive contributions, including timely scoring in close contests. However, his below-average skating remains a persistent concern, capping his potential as a two-way defender. While he shows improving defensive awareness with increased ice time, full evolution into a complete player will require targeted development.
Greentree, a 20-year-old right-winger drafted 26th overall in 2024, is progressing in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires. He has recorded 17 goals, 17 assists, and 34 points over 27 games, signaling strong scoring ability. His profile emphasizes above-average puck handling and a potent shot, projecting him as a power forward with top-six potential. Like Clarke, skating deficiencies below average extend his timeline to NHL readiness, keeping him at the tier's base.
In comparison, tier 7 leaders include Dalibor Dvorsky at 64th and Conor Geekie at 65th. Dvorsky, a 20-year-old with a high-end shot, has seven goals and 10 points in 38 games this season. Geekie, a larger forward, struggles early with no goals and one assist but offers size and skills akin to Greentree's arc. Clarke provides the nearest NHL impact for the Kings, while Greentree represents a longer-term investment with scoring parallels to Dvorsky.
