Connor Clifton, a 30-year-old defenseman who's spent seven NHL seasons between Boston and Buffalo, was one of the Penguins' trade acquisitions this summer, principally for a physical style that's forever belied his 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame. He spoke on a conference call today and addressed the following:
• On that style: “That’s kind of how I’ve always played. Working to get to the next level, it was always a big part of my game. I feel like I out-competed my way to the NHL with that sort of style, and that’s what’s going to keep me there.”
• On producing one goal and 15 assists in 73 games with the Sabres last season: “I wasn’t too happy with it. I was all over the place. I wouldn’t even say last year, really, but the past two. My game, it’s kind of been at a standstill. There’s been a lot of mental battles along the way. A couple of scratches two years ago, too. My whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself. The change of scenery ... I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin, and I was really excited for the change. I want to get back to my old self and how I play, and the impact that I have on the game. … You just try to simplify and be who you are.”
• On meeting last week with Dan Muse, who once tried to recruit him collegiately: “I was speaking with him and just 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.”
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THE ASYLUM
Dejan Kovacevic
7:44 am - 07.24.2025DowntownClifton: 'Out-competed my way to the NHL'
Connor Clifton, a 30-year-old defenseman who's spent seven NHL seasons between Boston and Buffalo, was one of the Penguins' trade acquisitions this summer, principally for a physical style that's forever belied his 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame. He spoke on a conference call today and addressed the following:
• On that style: “That’s kind of how I’ve always played. Working to get to the next level, it was always a big part of my game. I feel like I out-competed my way to the NHL with that sort of style, and that’s what’s going to keep me there.”
• On producing one goal and 15 assists in 73 games with the Sabres last season: “I wasn’t too happy with it. I was all over the place. I wouldn’t even say last year, really, but the past two. My game, it’s kind of been at a standstill. There’s been a lot of mental battles along the way. A couple of scratches two years ago, too. My whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself. The change of scenery ... I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin, and I was really excited for the change. I want to get back to my old self and how I play, and the impact that I have on the game. … You just try to simplify and be who you are.”
• On meeting last week with Dan Muse, who once tried to recruit him collegiately: “I was speaking with him and just 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.”
Want to participate in our comments?
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