Connor Clifton is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played collegiate hockey with Quinnipiac University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. Clifton has established himself as a solid defenseman throughout his career, known for both his defensive and offensive contributions on the ice.
Connor Clifton Bio
Connor Clifton is a professional ice hockey defenseman who has built a steady career in the NHL since making his debut in 2018. Standing at six feet tall and weighing 196 pounds, Clifton plays a physical defensive style while contributing offensively when called upon. He has played for three NHL franchises during his career, including the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, and currently the Pittsburgh Penguins. Clifton was born on April 28, 1995, in Long Branch, New Jersey, and grew up in Matawan, New Jersey.
Early Life and Background
Connor Clifton was born on April 28, 1995, in Long Branch, New Jersey. He grew up in Matawan, New Jersey, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. Clifton attended Christian Brothers Academy for his prep hockey career, where he played alongside his brother Tim Clifton. The brothers were teammates during their formative years in New Jersey youth hockey.
During his draft-eligible year, Clifton was part of the United States National Development Team Program. In 2013, he helped the team win a silver medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship. This international experience proved valuable in his development as a defenseman and caught the attention of NHL scouts.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his success at the international level, Clifton was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fifth round, 133rd overall, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted, he chose to pursue his college hockey career at Quinnipiac University, joining the Quinnipiac Bobcats for the 2013-14 season.
During his four seasons with the Quinnipiac Bobcats, Clifton distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team all four years of his collegiate career. In his junior season, he was named captain of the Bobcats, demonstrating leadership qualities that would serve him well in his professional career. At the conclusion of that season, he earned several honors including being named to the ECAC Hockey All-Tournament Team, the NCAA East All-Frozen Four Team, and was awarded ECAC Hockey Most Outstanding Player in Tournament.
Connor Clifton Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
After completing his collegiate career at Quinnipiac in 2017, Clifton attempted to sign with the Arizona Coyotes, who held his NHL rights, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement. Instead, he signed with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played 54 games during the 2017-18 season to begin his professional development.
Boston Bruins Era (2018-2023)
On May 3, 2018, Clifton signed a two-year entry-level NHL contract with the Boston Bruins. He began the 2018-19 season with the Providence Bruins in the AHL but received his first NHL call-up. Clifton made his NHL debut on November 16, 2018, against the Dallas Stars.
On March 23, 2019, Clifton registered his first NHL point with an assist in a 7-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. He scored his first NHL goal in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, contributing to a 6-2 rout. The Bruins advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals that season but lost to the St. Louis Blues in seven games. During his time with the Bruins, Clifton earned the nickname “Cliffy Hockey.”
On July 1, 2019, Clifton signed a three-year, $3 million contract extension to remain with the Boston Bruins. He solidified his place on the Bruins roster for the 2019-20 season, becoming a regular fixture on the third defense pairing. He appeared in 33 games that season, scoring two goals before the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played eight postseason games, recording one goal and two assists before the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Clifton continued as a dependable defenseman for the Bruins in subsequent seasons. In the shortened 2020-21 season, he played 44 games, scoring one goal and six assists. The following season, he appeared in 60 games, recording two goals and eight assists.
Buffalo Sabres (2023-2025)
On July 1, 2023, Clifton departed the Boston Bruins as a free agent and signed a three-year, $9.99 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres. During the 2023-24 season, Clifton served as a regular member of the Sabres defensive corps. On October 27, 2023, he delivered an illegal check to the head of New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier, who was injured on the play. Clifton was assessed a match penalty and received a two-game suspension following a league hearing.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2025-Present)
On June 28, 2025, Clifton was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with the 39th pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Conor Timmins and Issac Belliveau. This move marked a new chapter in Clifton’s NHL career as he joined a franchise with a storied history of success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Clifton is known as a physical, reliable defenseman who plays a solid defensive game while contributing occasionally on offense. He is a right-handed shot and stands at six feet tall, giving him the size needed to compete effectively in the NHL. His ability to play a physical brand of hockey while maintaining positional discipline has allowed him to earn regular playing time throughout his career. His collegiate background at Quinnipiac provided him with a strong foundation in both ends of the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Clifton’s most notable career moment came during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he scored his first NHL goal in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. This goal came during a crucial playoff series as the Bruins made their run to the Stanley Cup Finals. The experience of playing meaningful playoff hockey at the highest level has been a defining part of his career trajectory.
Connor Clifton Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career, Clifton has established himself as a steady presence on defense for multiple organizations. He has accumulated games played across the regular season and postseason with the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. His career includes his Stanley Cup Final appearance with the Bruins in 2019.
International Competition
Clifton represented the United States at the international level during his development years. His most notable international achievement was winning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World Under-18 Championship while playing in the US National Development Team Program.
Connor Clifton Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Connor Clifton comes from a hockey family with his brother Tim also pursuing a professional career in the sport. The two brothers played together at Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey during their prep hockey years. Growing up together in Matawan, New Jersey, the Clifton brothers pushed each other in their development as hockey players.
Personal Life
Clifton married his wife, Amanda Thompson, in August 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in June 2024. Clifton maintains a presence on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life away from hockey with his growing family.
2025-26 Season Outlook
Following his mid-2025 trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Clifton enters the 2025-26 season with a new organization. He brings experience from playing for the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, along with his Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2019. Clifton will look to earn a regular spot on the Penguins defense and contribute to a team that continues to pursue championship success. His physical playing style and ability to move the puck should provide depth to the Penguins blue line as they work toward their playoff objectives.