The Buffalo Sabres trade that sent defenseman Connor Clifton and a 2025 second round pick to Pittsburgh for Conor Timmins and minor leaguer Isaac Beliveau was made in part because the Sabres coveted Timmins, a 26-year-old native of St Catharines, ON. Another factor according to GM Kevyn Adams was that Clifton would likely not be back after the final year of his three-year, $10 million contract. On Tuesday, Clifton spoke to the Pittsburgh media for the first time and did not hold his tongue regarding his two-year stay with the Sabres organization.
“I wasn’t too happy with it. I think I was all over the place. I wouldn’t even say last year, really the past two years. My game, it’s kind of been at a standstill.” Clifton said. “There’s been a lot of mental battles along the way. There was a couple of (healthy) scratches two years ago, too. My whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself.”
Other Sabres Stories
Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust
Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere
The 30-year-old signed with the Sabres the summer following their narrowly finishing behind Florida for the second Eastern Conference playoff spot. Adams did not make any roster changes, other than adding Clifton – coming off the Boston Bruins record-breaking President’s Trophy campaign in 2022-23 – and veteran Erik Johnson to bolster the Buffalo blueline. Clifton was excited to join the club under Don Granato, who had coached him in the US National Development Program, and because he was slated to play a top-four role alongside either Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power. By the end of the season, the New Jersey native was playing on the bottom-pairing, and Granato had been replaced by Lindy Ruff.
Clifton played the same bottom-pairing role last season, finishing fifth in average ice time (16:03) and points (16) in 73 games.
“The change of scenery, I got that call that I’m going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin, I was really excited for the change. I want to get back to my old self and how I play and the impact that I have on the game.” Clifton said. ““There’s always setbacks on your journey, I’m pretty proud of the journey I’m on. I think I have a lot left to give. I’m really excited for a fresh start in Pittsburgh and can’t wait to get started.”
Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo