Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has identified a refreshingly classic element in the game of rookie forward Connor Clattenburg, praising the young player's tenacity and physical edge. The comments came after Clattenburg's NHL debut, marking a significant step for the 20-year-old.
A Throwback Player Emerges
Drawing comparisons to former Oilers captain Kelly Buchberger, Connor Clattenburg appears to be cut from a similar cloth of enthusiastic aggression. Buchberger, who first played for the Oilers 38 years ago in the 1987 Stanley Cup Final, was known for his willingness to engage physically and stand up for his teammates.
Clattenburg made his official NHL debut against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Saturday, November 22, 2025. In approximately six minutes of ice time, the rookie held his own, nearly scoring on Sergei Bobrovsky, avoiding being on the ice for a goal against, and mixing it up with AJ Greer as the game concluded.
Leadership Sees a Valuable Edge
McDavid's endorsement highlights a specific quality that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern NHL. "He's got a little bit of that old school in him," McDavid stated, emphasizing that Clattenburg brings a style of play that is not commonly seen among new players entering the league today.
The Oilers' captain elaborated on the rookie's attributes, noting, "He's got an edge, plays physical and will drop 'em every now and then." This willingness to fight, combined with a robust physical presence, is a dimension the Oilers are keen to develop.
A Path Forged by Determination
Clattenburg's journey mirrors that of many determined players who make it to the highest level against the odds. Selected in the fifth round of the draft, his path recalls that of Buchberger, who was a ninth-round pick and was willing to do anything to secure his spot on the team.
Craig MacTavish, a former teammate of Buchberger, recalled that while Buchberger was "pretty green" initially, his skating and toughness were evident. The same seems to be true for Clattenburg, who played three preseason games against Seattle (twice) and Calgary before his regular-season debut.
The rookie's immediate future with the NHL club may be brief, as the returns of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from a concussion and Kasperi Kapanen from a leg injury are imminent. However, his performance has undoubtedly made a strong and positive impression on the team's leadership and coaching staff.
With only 15 AHL games and one NHL game under his belt, Clattenburg has areas to refine, including puck handling in traffic and play along the boards against larger, more experienced opponents. Yet, his aggressive, throwback style has already carved out a memorable introduction to the league and suggests a promising potential role for him within the Edmonton Oilers' lineup.
