Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers secured a convincing blowout win over the Seattle Kraken, but lost forward Connor Clattenburg to a scary play in the late stages of the 3rd period.
The rookie Clattenburg has instantly become a fan favourite since being called up from the AHL. A 20 year old loose rocket on skates, he’s made a huge impact from the 4th line with his energy and physical play.
Connor Clattenburg avoids major injury, required stitches
It was a scary moment in the 3rd when Brandon Montour caught Clattenburg with a high stick, and the rookie forward started rushing off the ice.
Thankfully, Coach Knoblauch revealed after the game that he just required some stitches above his eye. It seems possible that he may have been able to return to the game, if it wasn’t already the late stages.
Injuries were a concern for Clattenburg when he was called up, given his youth, playstyle, and history. It’s good to see he avoided a major problem here.
Clattenburg has only been with the Oilers for 5 games, and he’s played less than 10 minutes in 4 of them – but there’s a real case for him to stay with the team based on his play.
From the 4th line he’s hit everything that moves, which is sending a message to the opposition that this team will stick up for themselves, and it’s also infectious to the rest of the team. Other players like Hyman and Podkolzin even seem to be hitting more since Clattenburg’s call up.
Realistically, Clattenburg needs more time in the AHL to develop his game and really develop into an NHL caliber player. For now though, he’s brining some much needed energy to a veteran Oilers team that needs it – and he could stick around a bit longer.
Previously on Edmonton Hockey Daily
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Oilers provide update on Connor Clattenburg after rushing off the ice with injury
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