Penguins’ New Defenseman Connor Clifton: Ready to Reclaim His Game
Penguins new defenseman Connor Clifton ready to reclaim his game. A bold new chapter for Connor Clifton embracing his true self in Pittsburgh. In a surprising twist of fate, Connor Clifton, the gritty defenseman, has found himself under the watchful eye of Jason Spettzer, now serving as the assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their history runs deep, tracing back to Clifton’s NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in 2018 when a heated exchange with Spetszer, then a Dallas Stars forward, marked his arrival with a bang. But here’s where it gets controversial. Spettza, now Clifton’s bus, was once his adversary in a memorable on ice scuffle. Clifton’s resilience and tenacity have been his calling card throughout his seven season NHL career. Despite his modest size, 5’11, 195 pounds, he’s carved a niche in the league by being unapologetically combative. In fact, he’s led his teams in hits for the past three consecutive seasons. 2022 23 Boston Bruins 208 hits. 2023 24 Buffalo Sabres 204 hits. 202425 Buffalo Sabres 208 hits. That’s how I’ve always played. Clifton candidly shared during a recent video conference. I outco competed my way to the NHL with that style and it’s what will keep me here. His move to Pittsburgh was not just about personal growth. It was also a strategic maneuver by the Penguins and the Sabres. Following a turbulent 20242 season where Clifton faced healthy scratches and inconsistency, the Sabres sought to shed the final year of his contract valued at $3,333,000 $333 against the salary cap. The Penguins, eager to bolster their roster, agreed to the trade, which included a second round pick in the latest NHL draft. Clifton doesn’t mince words about his time in Buffalo. I wasn’t too happy with it. My game felt stagnant. There were mental battles and I felt like I lost my identity. But this change of scenery has rekindled his spirit. I’m excited to get back to my old self, to play the way I know I can and make an impact. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff shares Clifton’s enthusiasm, urging him to embrace his aggressive style. Head coach Dan Muse emphasized the importance of competitiveness, telling Clifton, “Don’t come in passive. Be aggressive and be who you are.” This message resonates deeply with Clifton, who is eager to seize the opportunity. However, the path ahead isn’t without challenges. The Penguins boast a crowded roster of right-handed defensemen, including veterans Chris Leang, Eric Carlson, and Matthew Dumba, as well as prostates Jackson, and Harrison Brini. Additional trades may streamline the competition before the September training camp, but Clifton is no stranger to battling for his spot. There are always setbacks on your journey, Clifton reflects. But I’m proud of where I’ve been and believe I have much more to offer. I’m thrilled for a fresh start in Pittsburgh and can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Seth Roarabore, the seasoned with the Z for trip life, has been covering the Penguin since 2007. A native of North Huntington, his insights on Clifton’s move to Pittsburgh offer a local perspective on this pivotal moment in the defenseman’s career. Connor Clifton looks to revive his game with Pittsburgh Penguins. Clifton’s journey to reclaiming his NHL glory in Pittsburgh by Michelle Ciolo, Penguins team reporter. July 22nd, 2025. On a Saturday afternoon in late June, Connor Clifton was preparing to take a nap with his infant daughter, Callie, when his phone buzzed with an urgent call from Buffalo. The Sabers general manager, Kzan Adams, had just reached out. something that would soon change the course of Clifton’s career. Clifton’s wife, Amanda, quickly joined the conversation. “We going to Pittsburgh?” she asked, her voice laced with excitement. “We’ve got to get this straight,” he replied, his eyes wide with anticipation. It turned out the NHL draft was in full swing, and they had to whisper the news in their bathroom. He later learned the team was selecting him from Buffalo, a move that would cement his legacy in Pittsburgh. The Penguins acquired Clifton and the 39th overall pick used to select Payton Kettles in the second round in exchange for Connor Timonss and Isaac Bivo. Penguins president of hockey operations and GM KL Dubis has long emphasized the need to bolster the left side of the blue line and Clifton’s presence is seen as a pivotal step toward that goal. Clifton brings a competitive edge we haven’t seen on the back end of our roster. Diva said he’s a physical, high impact player who doesn’t back down from anyone. His intensity is a gamecher. Penguins assistant GM Jason Spa witnessed Clifton’s NHL debut in 2018 when the Bruins faced the Stars. The veteran star who had already spent 19 years in the league ended up engaging in a brief altercation with Speta. I was just trying to survive my first game and I ended up getting into a fight. Clifton joked. He didn’t fight often, but he seemed eager for it. It was quick and we both stabbed our time in the box. But it was funny. He was looking for it more than I was. I was just trying to survive for game one. Years later, Clifton shared a laugh with Sper in Toronto. I heard you’re asking about round two, he said with a grin. No, I’m good. We already got ours. Standing at 5’11 and 192 lb. Clifton has always played bigger than his size. A native of New Jersey, he skated in parts of seven NHL seasons, split between Buffalo and Boston since 2019. He led his team in hits for three consecutive seasons, a testament to his relentless work ethic. That’s how I’ve always played, Clifton said. It’s about out competing others and proving myself. That’s what keeps me in the game. However, Clifton is the first to admit the last two seasons have been a struggle. His performance hasn’t met his expectations, and he’s determined to rediscover the chemistry that once made him a standout player. My game has been at a standstill, he admitted. There were mental data, healthy scratches, and a call that I’d become a penguin. I was thrilled for the change of scenery. I want to return to my old self and the impact I once had on the game. It’s about simplicity, just being who you are. With a head coach who’s admire Clifton for years, the Penguins have a strong foundation. Dan Muse, who coached at Yale, once tried to recruit Clifton, who ultimately chose Quinnipic to play with his brother Tim. I went to college in 2013. Clifton said he’s been watching me for over a decade and he told me how he loves my game. That’s great to hear. I’m excited to work together for the Fifth Fine. Recently, Muse shared insight with Clifton during a visit to Pittsburgh. He wanted me to come in and find it right away. No passive waiting, Clifton said. Be aggressive and true to who you are. That’s always good to hear. Clifton is eager to bring his energy and determination to the Penguins as he prepares the training camp. The team support and the chance to rekindle his old self are a promising
00:00 – Penguins’ New Defenseman Connor Clifton: Ready to Reclaim His Game
03:22 – Connor Clifton Looks to Revive His Game with Pittsburgh Penguins
1. Penguins’ New Defenseman Connor Clifton: Ready to Reclaim His Game
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a new defenseman in Connor Clifton, known for his physical and abrasive playing style. After a challenging couple of seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Clifton is eager to return to form with the Penguins. Hear about his journey from an unforgettable NHL debut against Jason Spezza to becoming a key player who consistently leads in hits. With head coach Dan Muse encouraging him to play aggressively, Clifton is prepared to fight for his spot on the team. Get ready for an exciting season ahead as Clifton aims to make a big impact on the ice.
2. Connor Clifton Looks to Revive His Game with Pittsburgh Penguins
Get ready for an exciting new chapter in Connor Clifton’s NHL career. After being acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Clifton is eager to rediscover his best game and bring a physical, competitive edge to the team’s blue line. With a new change of scenery and a head coach who has been a fan of his game for years, Clifton is poised to make a big impact in Pittsburgh. Learn more about his journey, his playing style, and what he hopes to achieve with the Penguins.
