Clifton made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season with the Boston Bruins, playing five seasons with the team, and will rejoin them after three seasons away. The 30-year-old defenseman spent the 2025-26 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording six points (2G / 4A) and 180 hits in 50 games.
Clifton took a rest for Pittsburgh's previous game but will draw back into the lineup vs. St. Louis for Game 82 on Tuesday. The 30-year-old shutdown defensemen has appeared in just over half of Pittsburgh's games this season, with two goals, six points, 53 PIMs and 34 SOG in 49 games played.
With Samuel Girard (upper body) out day-to-day, Clifton will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 30-year-old Clifton is averaging 16:35 time-on-ice, recording five points (2G / 3A), 53 blocks, and 129 hits in 32 games this season.
With Jack St. Ivany (lower body) and Brett Kulak (trade) making their Pittsburgh season debut's, Connor Clifton and Ryan Graves will head to the sidelines as healthy scratches. The 30-year-old Clifton has zero points through 14 games, but is more known for his physical contributions, as evident by his 57 hits.
Matt Dumba will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, allowing Clifton to re-enter the lineup. The 30-year-old Clifton is averaging 17:06 time-on-ice, recording 20 blocks and 41 hits in 10 games this season.
Clifton has been limited to only three games this season, last playing on October 25th, and will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The 30-year-old defenseman is averaging 17:34 time-on-ice, recording zero points, nine blocks, and 16 hits.
Clifton will slot in for Harrison Brunicke, who is being rested on Tuesday. Clifton appeared in 73 games with the Sabres last season, tallying one goal and 15 assists.
Clifton is battling an illness and will be sidelined for a third straight game on Friday against the Nashville Predators. The 29-year-old Clifton is averaging 15:15 time-on-ice and has eight points (0G / 8A) in 46 games this season.
