Connor Clifton played the most no-frills role out there with the Sabres. He was that player who’d hit opponents, knock them down, then do the same thing just a few shifts later. It’s an approach the Blue and Gold had missed out on for years, but Clifton’s value ties right into that edginess.
So, ignore the paltry numbers in the goals, assists, and points categories. You can’t measure Clifton’s success there. Instead, look at hits, blocks, penalty minutes, and on-ice save percentage. They tell a more compelling and accurate story.
Grade: B - Clifton did everything the Sabres needed him to, even if his ice time was more limited this season. Still, the Blue and Gold needed someone to step up and inject the intimidation factor. Clifton did that, and even if he’s a future seventh defenseman should the Sabres upgrade. He’s a player who could skate a good 14-15 minutes and play that raw, no-frills, no-nonsense game.
Connor Clifton’s 2024-25 season with the Sabres wasn’t bad
At even strength, Connor Clifton recorded an 11.2 on-ice shooting percentage and an 89.5 on-ice save percentage. Not bad numbers, even if the latter looked a little low. But, we need to remember that very, very few Sabres players saw a decent on-ice save percentage this past season, and Clifton’s was one of the better numbers on the team.
As for body checks, Clifton landed 208 hits, and if he saw more than 16:03 minutes per game, there’s a chance he could’ve landed closer to 225-230. He blocked 116 shots, well over the one block per game mark, and he ended the year with 45 penalty minutes.
Points-wise, it was about what you’d have expected from a defensive defenseman. Clifton logged just one goal and 15 assists, good for 16 points. He recorded a minus-6 rating, and ended the year with a 1.6 shooting percentage. But Clifton was never one to put up highlight-reel numbers, so again, it’s not worth fussing over.
What will Connor Clifton look like in 2025-26?
Connor Clifton has one more year with the Sabres, but if he can remain an impact player on the third pairing/seventh defenseman role, there’s a chance he returns on a year-to-year basis. That’s if the Sabres don’t find another sledgehammer for the role, so expect Clifton to go all-out in a contract season.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he reached the 225-230-hit mark next year, and just to show he’s giving it his all, he’s got a chance to hit 20 points and maybe snag more than a single goal. But still, that’s irrelevant thanks to his defensive value.
Overall, Clifton’s transformed into a serviceable player, and his aggression this past season shows it. Now, if he can keep his act together for another season, the Sabres could have a player who isn’t afraid to take on anyone residing on the other bench.