When Clifton began the year in Providence, at times playing on the third defense-pairing, he was known to play with a reckless abandon. His assertiveness and skating were some of his biggest strengths, but his game lacked the structure to make the jump to the NHL.
"We noticed that when we first saw him and it was almost a detriment at times," said Cassidy of Clifton's overzealous nature. "We saw him at a rookie camp in Buffalo, so he's learned when to go, when to be a good support person on the rush."
While few in the organization thought Clifton would see NHL action in 2018-19, a slew of injuries forced the New Jersey native into action with the big club. Clifton made his NHL debut on Nov. 16 in Dallas and would play nine games in his first stint in the NHL. The 5-foot-11 blueliner continued to work on his craft in Providence, and in March he was called up again, this time for good.
"Connor plays to his strengths and then he's put structure in his game," said Sweeney. "He's bought into what we've asked him to do and he's had some success as a result. Those are good stories, really good stories, and important ones for the success of any organization."