Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – After signing a veteran defenseman in Erik Johnson from the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres inked another blue liner at the start of NHL Free Agency in former Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton.
Clifton had arguably the best season of his career last year for the Bruins, putting up a career-high 23 points while playing 78 games. He comes from the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he played for Sabres head coach Don Granato.
The contract really isn’t out of whack for Buffalo, as the Sabres gave the 28-year-old a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.3 million. Clifton is coming off a three-year, $3 million deal with the Bruins.
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Clifton is a rugged defenseman who is tough to play against. In 232 NHL games, he has 10 goals and 33 assists for 43 points.
After spending his time with the USNTDP, Clifton played four seasons at Quinnipiac University.