New Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Connor Clifton is enthusiastic about joining a new team and relocating this season. Although new to the Penguins, Clifton is somewhat familiar with a few members of the organization.
On Tuesday, Clifton talked about his relationship with Dan Muse, the new college head coach, as well as his previous connection with Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza. Spezza, 42, had an 18-season NHL career, scoring 363 goals and amassing 995 points over 1,248 games. Known for rarely fighting, Spezza accumulated 604 penalty minutes throughout his career. However, during Clifton’s NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on November 16, 2018, Spezza dropped the gloves with him.
Clifton recalled, "I have to remind him about that fight. I was just trying to survive my NHL debut, and he got a fight with me. He doesn’t fight often." He added, "It was amusing—he was more eager for the fight than I was; I was just focused on getting through Game 1. I joked with him a year or two later when he was in Toronto, asking, ‘Round 2?’ and he replied, ‘No, thanks—we already had ours.’"
At 30 years old, Clifton has played parts of seven NHL seasons with the Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, totaling 15 goals, 77 points, and 290 penalty minutes in 384 games.
[Image: The new Penguins defenseman is excited for a "fresh start"]
Connor Clifton missed several crucial calls during the 2025 NHL draft on June 28th.
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Feature Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski – Immagn Image
Fan Take: This move gives the Penguins fresh defensive depth and hints at an exciting new chapter for both Connor Clifton and the team. Hockey fans should watch closely as Clifton’s experience and grit could play a key role in strengthening Pittsburgh’s blue line and impact future NHL matchups.
