Graeme Clarke Bio
Graeme Clarke (born April 24, 2001) is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward. He currently skates for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Clarke was selected 80th overall in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing 79 kilograms, he has built a reputation as a skilled goal-scorer through his junior and professional career.
Clarke came up through the Ontario Hockey League with the Ottawa 67’s before turning professional. After several seasons in the Devils organization, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2024 and later signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent in July 2025. His path from a sixth overall OHL pick to an NHL prospect reflects steady development across North American and European leagues.
Early Life and Background
Graeme Clarke was born on April 24, 2001, in Waconia, Minnesota, USA, to an American family with strong Canadian roots. He grew up in a household shaped by hockey, with both of his younger siblings eventually pursuing the sport at high levels. His brother, Brandt Clarke, is a defenceman who plays in the NHL organization of the Los Angeles Kings, while his sister, Mackenzie Clarke, plays defence at St. Lawrence University.
From a young age, Clarke was drawn to the ice, developing his offensive instincts in youth programs around the Minneapolis area. His early love for highlight-reel plays, including the famed Michigan goal, was a hint of the creativity that would later define his game. The family’s deep connection to hockey provided constant motivation and a clear path toward competitive play.
Path to Professional Hockey
Clarke was chosen sixth overall by the Ottawa 67’s in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, launching his major junior career. He scored his first OHL goal and assist in just his third game on September 24, 2017, against the Erie Otters. By January 2018, he had already netted a Michigan goal against the Peterborough Petes, a signature move he had perfected long before reaching the OHL. He finished his rookie year with 14 goals and 25 points in 63 games.
In his second season with the 67’s, Clarke produced 23 goals and 34 points in 55 games and added seven goals and 14 points in 18 playoff games as Ottawa reached the OHL finals, where they lost to the Guelph Storm. That spring, he was selected 80th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. A shoulder injury and the COVID-19 pandemic limited him to 16 games in 2019–20, but he still managed nine goals and 17 points, reaching a point-per-game pace for the first time.
Graeme Clarke Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
With the 2020–21 OHL season cancelled, Clarke and his brother Brandt began the year with HC Nové Zámky of the Slovak Extraliga. After six games in Slovakia, he returned to North America and signed a one-year AHL contract with the Binghamton Devils on February 8, 2021. Less than a month later, on March 6, he inked a three-year entry-level deal with New Jersey. He finished that season with eight goals and 18 points in 31 AHL games, establishing himself as a promising prospect.
Assigned to the Utica Comets for the 2021–22 campaign, Clarke continued his development by posting 24 points in 52 regular-season games. He added one point in three playoff contests as Utica earned a bye to the second round before being eliminated by the Rochester Americans. His steady two-way play and growing offensive confidence marked him as a player on the rise within the Devils system.
Utica Comets Breakthrough (2022–2024)
The 2022–23 season marked a major step forward for Clarke, as he more than doubled his previous production with 58 points in 68 games. His hot streak earned him AHL Player of the Week honors for the week ending December 25, 2022, during which he scored four goals and six points in two games. In the playoffs, he added six points in six games before Utica was eliminated in the second round by the Toronto Marlies.
Clarke made his long-awaited NHL debut on January 6, 2024, in a 6–4 loss against the Vancouver Canucks. That same season, he and Brandt were both selected for the 2024 AHL All-Star Game, becoming the second pair of brothers to appear together at the event after Peter and Chris Ferraro. He finished the year with 25 goals and 49 points in 67 AHL games, leading the Comets in goals and game-winning goals while ranking second in points.
Minnesota Wild Era (2024–2025)
On June 21, 2024, Clarke was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Adam Beckman, ending his time in the Devils organization. The move offered him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot within a new system. Although he continued to develop his game at the AHL level, his time with the Wild allowed him to refine his responsibilities as a two-way forward. His consistent scoring touch and leadership qualities made him a reliable contributor.
Washington Capitals Era (2025–Present)
As a free agent following his contract with the Wild, Clarke signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Washington Capitals on July 2, 2025. He was assigned to the Hershey Bears, Washington’s AHL affiliate, where he continues his pursuit of a full-time NHL role. On October 1, during training camp for the 2025–26 season, Clarke was placed on waivers as the team finalized its roster. His experience and scoring ability position him as a depth option for the Capitals.
Driving Style and Strengths
Clarke is widely recognized for his offensive creativity, particularly his ability to execute the Michigan goal at the professional level. He combines skilled hands with strong skating and a willingness to attack the middle of the ice. His hockey sense allows him to find open teammates in tight spaces, while his competitiveness drives him to compete in high-pressure situations. Coaches have praised his work ethic and his commitment to playing a complete 200-foot game.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Clarke’s most memorable moments came on January 21, 2018, when he scored a Michigan goal against the Peterborough Petes in the OHL. He later represented Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a gold medal with three points in five games. His NHL debut on January 6, 2024, and his 2024 AHL All-Star Game selection alongside his brother remain defining highlights of his career.
Graeme Clarke Career Wins
Graeme Clarke has produced consistent scoring results across the OHL, AHL, and Slovak Extraliga. His offensive totals reflect a player capable of contributing at every level he has played. While he has not yet secured a major professional championship, his regular-season and playoff production have established him as a reliable point producer. Below is a summary of his verified highlights across key leagues.
OHL and AHL Highlights
In the OHL with the Ottawa 67’s, Clarke recorded 46 goals and 76 points across parts of three seasons, along with 14 playoff points during Ottawa’s 2019 run to the OHL finals. In the AHL, he has been a top offensive contributor for both the Binghamton Devils and Utica Comets, peaking with 58 points in 2022–23 and following it up with 25 goals and 49 points in 2023–24. His 2024 AHL All-Star Game selection highlighted his status among the league’s top forwards.
Other Wins and Performances
Clarke won a gold medal with Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring three points in five games during the tournament. In the Slovak Extraliga, he gained valuable international experience alongside his brother Brandt before returning to North America. His brief stint in Slovakia helped him adapt to the professional style of play before breaking out in the AHL.
Graeme Clarke Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Graeme Clarke comes from a hockey-driven family in Waconia, Minnesota. His younger brother, Brandt Clarke, is a defenceman in the Los Angeles Kings organization and has represented Canada in international competition. His younger sister, Mackenzie Clarke, plays defence at St. Lawrence University, continuing the family’s strong tradition in the sport. Growing up in this environment shaped Graeme’s competitive approach and passion for the game.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Clarke remains closely tied to his family, frequently sharing the experience of professional hockey with his brother Brandt. The two have often been noted in the media as one of the NHL’s most promising sibling pairs. Clarke’s personal life has remained largely private, with his focus centered on his development as a professional athlete and his journey toward an established NHL role.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season represents a new chapter for Clarke after signing with the Washington Capitals organization. Following a strong AHL campaign with the Utica Comets in 2023–24 and a year within the Minnesota Wild system, he entered training camp looking to secure an NHL roster spot. His placement on waivers on October 1, 2025, signaled that he would begin the year with the Hershey Bears, where he is expected to play a leading offensive role.
Clarke enters the 2025–26 season as one of the more experienced veterans within the Hershey Bears forward group. His 25-goal, 49-point performance in 2023–24 demonstrated that he can drive offense at the AHL level, and his NHL debut with the Devils added valuable top-flight experience. If he produces early with Hershey, a call-up to Washington could quickly follow as the Capitals monitor their depth chart throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the key storyline for Clarke in 2025–26 is whether he can translate his consistent AHL production into a permanent NHL role. With the Capitals undergoing transitions in their forward ranks, opportunities could arise for a player of his skill set. His blend of goal-scoring, creativity, and two-way responsibility makes him a strong candidate to contribute at the next level when called upon.