The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their prospect pool by signing Connor Clattenburg to a three-year entry-level contract. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Clattenburg was selected 160th overall and has been making a name for himself as captain of the Flint Firebirds in the Ontario Hockey League.
New Edmonton Oilers prospect Connor Clattenburg isn't much of an offensive threat, but he makes it a mission to hit everyone in his path. #NHLDraft
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) June 29, 2024
When Clattenburg spoke with Flint Firebirds announcer Brian Gardner about his experience in his first rookie camp in Edmonton, the young forward credited his time with the Ottawa Senators prospects camp the previous year with preparing him for what to expect this time around.
“It was unreal and went better than I expected, to be honest,” he said. “It kind of helped having the experience from Sens camp last year to go into Dev camp, kind of knew what it was like, and then going into main. But all those camps were great. I learned a lot and a lot of good feedback and I’m just excited for what’s in store next.”
Generally speaking, Clattenburgh’s lack of offensive production is why he was taken so late in the 2024 NHL Draft. However, he’s growing more confident in his abilities as a power forward, which could lead to opportunities down the line. That’s why he felt training camp went better than he thought it would.
“I just felt like more confident out there than I thought I was and I just felt like I fit into it really well then younger players don’t tend to,” he said. “I think my physical side just really helped with that and playing in that preseason game too, I felt really good and really confident in that game.”
Adding Clattenburg to the system is another step in the Oilers’ commitment to building from within. His two-way game and appreciation for the defensive side of the puck have been a big part of his success with Flint, and there’s every reason to believe he’ll bring those same qualities to the professional level when the time comes.
Through 22 games this season, Clattenburg has tallied 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points, proving to be a consistent and reliable presence for his team. At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, the Nova Scotia native combines size, skill, and leadership, making him a player to watch as he continues his development.
As of now, Clattenburg’s focus will remain on his OHL season, where he’s leading by example as Flint’s captain. For Oilers fans, this signing adds another piece to the organization’s future, and we’ll have to wait and whether he’s able to turn this new contract into a future with the big club in the years to come.
CLATTENBURG’S CAREER SO FAR
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-22 | Renfrew Wolves | CCHL | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2022-23 | Soo Greyhounds | OHL | 56 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 115 | -10 | — | — | — | — | — |
2023-24 | Soo Greyhounds | OHL | 30 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 51 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — |
2023-24 | Flint Firebirds | OHL | 30 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 28 | -2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
2024-25 | Flint Firebirds | OHL | 22 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 57 | 1 |
