Connor Clattenburg's plan is not to stay with the Edmonton Oilers, even though he brought pieces the team desperately needed in his debut against the Florida Panthers.
It appears that Clattenburg plans to play a few games as a replacement for injured forwards such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kasperi Kapanen, Noah Philp and Curtis Lazar.
But Clattenburg's plan was never to join the Oilers as a 20-year-old rookie. And yet here he is.
He played just nine shifts in 5:47 of ice time in Edmonton's 6-3 win over arch-rival Florida, but Clattenburg had a busy night, all positive, at least until you expected Milan Lucic in his Boston Bruins prime. He brought the puck out of the Edmonton penalty area. In one shift with Connor McDavid, he had two shots on the Class A goal. He also streaked down the wing and hit a big shot that nearly scored with his stick. He threw several punches. He fought in front of the opponent's goal.
And most importantly, with the score 6-3 in garbage time, he came to the aid of teammate Andrew Mangiapana, who was beaten by two Panthers. Clattenburg grabbed Florida tough guy AJ Greer from behind, grabbed him by the head and pulled Greer's helmet off, much to Greer's displeasure. When Clattenburg was surrounded by a crowd of Florida players, Greer attacked him.
How did Oilers fans react to Clattenburg's first game? With well-deserved praise.
On the Cult of Hockey podcast, Curt Leavins said: “You know what? He was really good. He scored big to get a chance in the first period, and in the second period he just missed by an inch or two with a wrist shot. And then what I really liked was that he got into a fight with Greer late when things got loud. And he got his hands dirty and grabbed his man by the neck… He showed quite the performance tonight.” decent hands.”
On the Got Yer Back podcast, former Oilers defenseman Jason Strudwick said: “He had some hits and what I think is great is that at the end of the game he didn't shy away at all from getting in a pile with Greer and a bunch of guys like that, he's looking for that. I know who reminds me of him is Corey Perry. Corey will look for that. He doesn't shy away from fights, he doesn't shy away from anything that's out there. I'm not going to compare him to Corey Perry by total points, but the intention is to get there and do it pretty well.”
Clattenburg and Matt Savoie after victory in Florida
Host Ryan Rishaug said, “I think his skating tonight showed that as the rest of his skills develop, he has the speed needed to be able to physically make an impact in games.”
And The Athletic's Allan “Lovetide” Mitchell: “He was effective in playing a thrilling role despite having very little ice time (5:46 at five-on-five).”
And former NHLer Rob Brown on Got Yer Back said, “It was a game where the Oilers started early. He understood the skill of the game, where he couldn't go out and take a penalty. He couldn't go out and do something stupid. He had to wait for his chance. A two or three goal lead at the end of a hockey game. That was his opportunity to get noticed. He did it, he stepped in. Good for him… I believe he'll be gone soon. But it's nice to have the kids.” realized the dream of playing in the National Hockey League and I think he did very well.”
Other reactions?
Oilers now welcome Bob Stauffer
The fans will love this guy.
Oilers Nation Writer Zach Laing @zjlaing
Banner night for AJ Greer. Clattenburg is playing in his first NHL game and has already received a free loan. I think support him until the end of the season.
Oilers by sul @osullymike
In a couple of years, Clattenberg will be a threat, I can't wait.
“Cult of Hockey” co-creator Ira Cooper OriginalPouzar @coopsie39
Klatty did a great job today. Just under six minutes, and I only remember one shift where they were trimmed a bit. Couldn't land any shots, but he wasn't running around looking for them (which he almost always does at the AHL level – apparently the coaches talked to him).
Oilers fan Shan @shan_savvy
I really liked that Connor Clattenburg was certainly prepared to descend into chaos in his first NHL game as expected, but I also really liked how several Oilers rushed to his aid.
Hockey fan Duncan Purvis @sporting_chap
Reading the comments, it seems that Clattenburg is the second coming of Gretzky, Messier, Coffee and Fuhr rolled into one. #oil workers
Oilers fan Stu Penguin @StuThePenguin
Clattenburg didn't look out of place. I would wear it again.
Oilers fan Tier 2 Oilers fan @tier2fan
WE NEVER LOSED IN THE CLATTENBURG ERA! 💙🧡💙
Hockey podcaster Kevin McCurdy @KevinMcCurdy
Connor Flattenberg? He's not quite there yet, but this kid is going to be a gamer.
My option
1. It was only one game and nine shifts, but when we combined that with what we saw from Clattenburg's hard skating and shooting in the preseason, I saw an NHL fourth line player. He's probably best off working on his skills in the AHL this year, but he gives the Oil what they need right now, some ferocious energy. At the very least, he will certainly light a fire under some veteran leadership to get going and provide more fight.
2. Can Clattenberg help the Oilers win this year? May be. I suspect he needs more games in the AHL to improve his skill level. But big, fast and ferocious Clattenburg has an NHL player.
