Connor Clifton has a new contract. After spending his young career with the Boston Bruins, he has chosen to sign with the Buffalo Sabres. Clifton is locked in for the next three years and has a total value of $10 million per life of the contract.
WELCOME TO BUFFALO‼️
We have signed defenseman Connor Clifton to a three-year contract worth $10 million.
Details: https://t.co/i61E1v8ijv pic.twitter.com/rvCZmwfmAG
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 1, 2023
Connor Clifton Signs New Contract
This is an excellent day for Connor Clifton. After initially being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes, he has made a name for himself in Boston. Consistently, Clifton has played primarily on the third pair. There have been growing pains with the young defensemen, but he is coming off a career season.
Like younger guys like Jake DeBrusk and Trent Frederic, Clifton took off under new coach Jim Montgomery. Clifton had a career year across the board, scoring five goals, 18 assists, and 23 points. He got comfortable generating offence and is not afraid to be physical. He is a smaller guy but plays a big guy’s game. Clifton was second on the team in hits (208) and blocked 120 shots. However, one area that was evident all year and in the playoffs was his giveaways (47). Some were untimely, but that is part of the process.
What This Contract Means
For Clifton
As much as he may have wanted to stay in Boston, Connor Clifton earned this contract. Given the salary cap issues the Bruins ars facing, he secured his pay raise on the open market. He can build off the strong season he had and can bring that to his new club.
For The Team
You can never have too much defensive depth. That is what the Connor Clifton means. Clifton is a depth defenseman that has shown growth and promise in his game. Pricing himself out of Boston has allowed this team to capitalize. Given his age and growth, he is an excellent piece of the puzzle.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
