Connor Clifton is once again a Boston Bruin, a homecoming that's as much about family as it is about hockey. After stints with the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, the 31-year-old defenseman has signed a two-year contract, with an average annual value of $2.25 million, returning him to the city where his NHL career began. This return is deeply personal for Clifton, who now balances the demands of professional hockey with the joys of fatherhood.
His two-year-old daughter, Callie, has been a significant influence, bringing a new perspective to his life and career. Clifton speaks candidly about how fatherhood has changed him, making even bad days better and emphasizing what truly matters. "It puts things into perspective for sure," Clifton shared. "I go home, even if it is a bad day, she makes every day better." This grounding influence extends to his enjoyment of Boston's culinary scene, with favorite spots like Ocean Prime and Tresca on his list.
Clifton's history with the Bruins spans from 2018 to 2023, including a memorable trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019. While the roster has seen significant changes since his last tenure, Clifton expressed confidence in his fit with the current group, noting that "Bruins hockey hasn't changed much since I left." He's eager to bring his physical style and energy back to TD Garden, ready to contribute on and off the ice as he embraces this new chapter in Boston.
