Connor Clifton Joins Penguins: Rediscovering His Best Game in Pittsburgh
Carter Clifton joins Penguins, rediscovering his best game in Pittsburgh. Have you ever felt like your career was at a crossroads and a simple phone call could change everything? For Connor Clifton, that call came at the most unexpected time. Imagine being in Clifton’s shoes, hoping for a nap, but instead receiving a lifealtering phone call that could alter the course of his hockey career. It’s a moment that would make anyone’s heart race, and Clifton’s was no exception. Clifton, a seasoned defenseman with a reputation for his physicality and competitive spirit, found himself at a crossroads. The 30-year-old, known for leading his team in hits, was eager for a fresh start. Little did he know that opportunity was just a phone call away. But here’s where it gets controversial. Clifton’s last two seasons have been a struggle, and he’s the first to admit it. Is it time for a change of scenery, or does he need to dig deeper to rediscover his best game? On a lazy Saturday afternoon in June, Clifton was enjoying some rare downtime with his infant daughter, Callie. But his nap plans were dashed when he received a call from Kevin Adams, the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres. Clifton’s excitement was palpable as he learned of the trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team in desperate need of a player like him. And this is the part most people miss. Clifton, who led his team in his for three consecutive seasons, is acutely aware of the struggles he’s faced. As he prepars for his new chapter with the Penguins, he’s asking himself, can he regain his former glory, or is this trade the fresh start he needs to reignite his career? So, what exactly makes Clifton’s game so unique? Think of him as a defensive force who brings an element of physicality and competitiveness that’s hard to find. His ability to out compete his opponents has been the cornerstone of his success in the NHL. But here’s the twist. Clifton’s struggles over the past two seasons have sparked debate. Is it a case of mental fatigue, or does he need a change of scenery to reignite his passion? As Clifton embarks on this new journey with the Penguins, under the watchful eye of head coach Dan Muse, we can’t help but wonder, will this be the fresh start he needs, or just another chapter in his career? What do you think? Will Clifton rediscover his best game in Pittsburgh, or is this just the beginning of a new story? Connor Clifton, the new Penguins defenseman, ready to make an impact? Imagine this. A seasoned NHL defsman, Connor Clifton finds himself in a new arena, eager to reclaim his former glory. But here’s where it gets controversial. His journey to the Pittsburgh Penguins wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Let’s dive into the gritty details. Clifton’s NHL debut was nothing short of eventful. On November 16th, 2018, as a rookie with the Boston Bruins, he faced off against Jason Spettza, then a forward with the Dallas Stars. What started as a shove quickly escalated into a flash, followed by a swift jab from Spettza. The veteran was looking for a fight, but Clifton wasn’t about to back down. He swiftly countered, slamming Spettza to the ice and securing a quick victory. Fast forward to today, and Spettza is now the Penguins assistant general manager, Clifton’s boss, after a multiplayer trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 28th. I was just trying to survive out there, Clifton recalled of his debut. ended up getting in a fight with him. It was quick and then we served our time in the penalty box. He was looking for it more than me. I was just trying to survive out there for game one. This tenacious spirit has been Clifton’s trademark allowing him to carve out a sevenseason career in the NHL despite his compact frame 5’11 195 lbs. He’s not just surviving, he’s thriving by being a constant thorn in the side of opponents. In the past three seasons, Clifton has led his team in hits. 2022 23 Boston Bruins 208 hits. 2023 24 Buffalo Sabres 204 hits. 20242 Buffalo Savers 208 hits. I’ve always played this way, Clifton explained in a video conference. Working to get to the next level, it was always a big part of my game. I feel like I outco competed my way to the NHL with this style, and that’s what’s going to keep me there. This aggressive, physical approach is precisely what the Penguins are banking on. But here’s the part most people miss. Clifton’s journey to Pittsburgh wasn’t just about his playing style. It was also about convenience for both teams. After a lackluster 2024-25 season with the Sabres, during which he was a healthy scratch for five games, Clifton found himself at a crossroads. The Sabres, eager to offload the final year of his contract with a salary cap hit of $3,333,333, found a willing partner in the Penguins. The deal also included a second route pick in last month’s NHL draft along with depth defenseman Connor Timmens and mid-level defensive prospect Isaac Bellivo heading to the Savers. Clifton doesn’t mince words about his time in Buffalo. I wasn’t too happy with it, he admitted. I think I was all over the place. I wouldn’t even say last year. Really, the past two years, my game has kind of been at a standstill. There’s been a lot of mental battles along the way. There were a couple of healthy scratches two years ago, too. My whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself. The change of scenery, however, has reignited Clifkin’s passion. I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin, and I was really excited for the change. He said, “I want to get back to my old self and the impact that I have on the game. You just try to simplify and be who you are.” The Penguins seem eager to let Clifton be exactly that, a physical, abrasive defender. I came to Pittsburgh last week for a couple of days. Clifton shared, “I was speaking with head coach Dan Muse about how we’re going to be competitive. It’s all going to start with work. He mentioned he wanted me to come in and find it right away and don’t come in all passive. Be aggressive and be who I am.” That’s always good to hear. I’m excited for the opportunity. But how will this opportunity play out? The Penguins have a surplus of right-handed defensemen, including Clifton along with veterans Chris Latine, Eric Carlson, and Matthew Dumba. Reserve Jack St. Ivan and promising prostate Harrison Bernicki are also in the mix. Another trade might thin the herd, but fully training camp opens in September, but Clifton is no stranger to competing and fighting literally for his place. There’s always setbacks on your journey, Clifton reflected. I’m pretty proud of the journey I’m on. I think I have a lot left to give. I’m really excited for a fresh start in Pittsburgh and can’t wait to get started. So, what do you think? Will Clifton’s fiery spirit ignite the Penguins defense, or will he find himself overshadowed by the veterans? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And this is the part most he’ll miss. Sometimes the most controversial moves can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Let’s see if Clifton’s journey to Pittsburgh will be one of those stories.
00:00 – Connor Clifton Joins Penguins: Rediscovering His Best Game in Pittsburgh
02:35 – Connor Clifton: The New Penguins Defenseman Ready to Make an Impact
1. Connor Clifton Joins Penguins: Rediscovering His Best Game in Pittsburgh
Connor Clifton is ready to make a strong comeback with the Pittsburgh Penguins after being traded from the Buffalo Sabres. In this video, we explore Clifton’s journey, his physical and competitive playing style, and how he aims to regain his top form under new coach Dan Muse.
Learn about Clifton’s NHL debut, his reputation as a tough defenseman, and what Penguins GM Kyle Dubas expects from him this season. If you’re a Penguins fan or follow NHL trades and player development, this video is a must-watch!
Keywords: Connor Clifton, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL trade, Buffalo Sabres, NHL defenseman, hockey comeback, Kyle Dubas, Dan Muse, NHL 2025, hockey highlights, NHL defense, physical hockey, hockey player profile
2. Connor Clifton: The New Penguins Defenseman Ready to Make an Impact
Join us as we dive into the journey of Connor Clifton, the new defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a challenging stint with the Buffalo Sabres, Clifton is eager to return to his old self and make a significant impact on the ice. Discover his playing style, his thoughts on the recent trade, and what he aims to achieve in Pittsburgh. Don’t miss insights on his physical play, leadership, and the competitive atmosphere in the Penguins’ locker room!
