Trade Overview
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Connor Clifton from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick (conditional, potentially upgrading to a third-rounder if Pittsburgh makes the playoffs). The Sabres will retain 20% of Clifton’s $3.33 million salary, lowering his cap hit for Pittsburgh to $2.66 million through the 2025-26 season.
This move addresses Pittsburgh’s need for a right-shot defenseman with physicality and playoff experience, while Buffalo continues to accumulate future assets.
What Connor Clifton Brings to Pittsburgh
Defensive Stability
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Reliable third-pairing defenseman who can play up in the lineup when needed
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Physical presence (200+ hits last season) and strong penalty-killing ability
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Right-handed shot, which Pittsburgh lacked behind Kris Letang
Playoff Experience
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Played 59 career playoff games with the Boston Bruins
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Part of Boston’s 2023 Presidents’ Trophy-winning team and 2019 Stanley Cup Final run
Contract Situation
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Signed through 2025-26 at $3.33 million AAV (Buffalo retaining 20%)
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Affordable depth piece with no long-term commitment
Why the Sabres Moved On
Youth Movement on Defense
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Buffalo has emerging right-shot defensemen like Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson, and Ryan Johnson
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Opens opportunities for younger players while acquiring a draft pick
Salary Cap Flexibility
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Clears $2.66 million in cap space for Buffalo
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Allows more financial flexibility for future signings
Asset Accumulation
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Continues Buffalo’s strategy of stockpiling draft picks
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Conditional pick could become a third-rounder if Pittsburgh succeeds
Projected Impact on Penguins’ Lineup
Clifton is expected to slot into Pittsburgh’s bottom pairing, likely alongside P.O Joseph or John Ludvig. His role will include:
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Penalty-killing duties (averaged 2+ minutes per game last season)
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Physical defensive presence to complement Pittsburgh’s puck-moving defensemen
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Insurance for injuries, given his ability to play up the lineup
Reactions from Around the NHL
Penguins Perspective
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Adds much-needed defensive depth for a playoff push
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Low-risk move with potential upside if Clifton thrives in a structured system
Sabres Perspective
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Fair return for a player who was becoming expendable
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Allows more ice time for young defensemen in Buffalo’s system
Analyst Takeaways
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“Pittsburgh gets a dependable, hard-nosed defenseman without giving up much.” – Elliotte Friedman
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“Buffalo continues to build for the future while clearing a logjam on defense.” – Pierre LeBrun
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Pittsburgh Penguins
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May still look for another depth forward or goaltending insurance
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Clifton’s performance could determine if they seek further blue-line upgrades
Buffalo Sabres
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Expected to continue shopping veteran players for picks/prospects
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Focus shifts to extending young core players like Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Clifton be a top-four defenseman in Pittsburgh?
No, he is expected to play a third-pairing role but can fill in higher when needed.
Why did Buffalo trade him?
The Sabres have younger defensive options and wanted to add draft capital while freeing up cap space.
How does this affect Pittsburgh’s playoff chances?
It helps their depth but doesn’t drastically change their outlook—they still need more scoring support to be a true contender.
Could Buffalo make more trades?
Yes, they are likely to move another veteran or two before the season starts.
This trade is a low-risk, moderate-reward move for both teams:
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Pittsburgh gets a serviceable NHL defenseman without sacrificing key assets.
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Buffalo gains future flexibility and continues its rebuild.
For the Penguins, Clifton provides playoff-tested depth, which could prove valuable in a tight Eastern Conference race. Meanwhile, the Sabres continue their long-term roster construction.
