The Edmonton Oilers signed 2024 fifth-round pick Connor Clattenburg to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Yesterday, the Edmonton Oilers announced the signing of Flint Firebirds' captain Connor Clattenburg to a three-year, entry-level contract with an annual average value of $855,000.
The Oilers drafted Clattenburg in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-2 forward started his OHL career in Sault Ste. Marie prior to being traded halfway through the 2023-24 season to Flint.
Clattenburg took part in Edmonton's rookie camp and main camp where he saw game action against NHL-level competition.
Since returning to Flint, Clattenburg has recorded 10 goals and eight assists in 22 games. He uses his size to play a bruising style. The young power forward leads the Firebirds in penalty minutes with 57, which is a testament to his physical play.
He has consistently played this style throughout his OHL career. In 138 games, he has only 57 points and 251 penalty minutes. That's an average of 1.81 penalty minutes per game.
By signing Clattenburg, Edmonton adds a bruising, young power forward to their system who is starting to show some scoring ability at the OHL level. As the captain in Flint, he has also got leadership experience and an understanding of the role he plays.
If he continues to develop he could be a great depth option for Edmonton in the future. Though he received his gift a few days early, it is undoubtedly a happy Christmas this year for Clattenburg.