Arnprior’s Connor Clattenburg Focused on Recovery After Storybook NHL Debut

Connor Clattenburg’s NHL dream arrived quickly—and ended far too soon this season—but the story of the Arnprior native is far from over.

The 20-year-old Edmonton Oilers forward is now focused on recovering from a serious eye injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, an abrupt pause in what had been a remarkable rise from small-town Ontario to the brightest stage in hockey.

Drafted in the fifth round, 160th overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Clattenburg began the season with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Known for his physical play, relentless energy, and unmistakable determination, he earned his NHL call-up on November 21, 2025—a phone call that changed his life.

The very next night at Amerant Bank Arena, Clattenburg made his NHL debut against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. In just 5:47 of ice time, he recorded two shots on goal, a hit, and a penalty in a 6–3 Oilers victory—an impressive first impression for a player who once wondered if he’d even be drafted.

“Full of goosebumps,” Clattenburg said of the experience. “It’s quite the experience just to go from such a small arena, small town… then coming to the NHL.”

That dream only grew louder days later when Clattenburg scored his first NHL goal on November 25 at Rogers Place in front of a roaring Edmonton crowd. Though the Oilers fell 8–3 to Dallas, the moment was unforgettable. In nearly 13 minutes of ice time, he scored on his lone shot, posted a plus-1 rating, and delivered seven hits—exactly the brand of hockey that had earned him his opportunity.

Clattenburg continued to carve out his place, dropping the gloves for his first NHL fight in Seattle and remaining in the lineup through a string of Oilers wins. His fearless approach and willingness to do the hard work quickly made him a fan favourite.

Then, on December 4, during a home game against the Kraken, everything changed.

Late in the third period, Clattenburg was struck in the eye by an errant stick, crumpling to the ice in obvious pain. Stitches were required, and the injury proved serious enough to end his season. He was later placed on long-term injured reserve and, on December 30, returned to the AHL as he began the long road back.

While his time in the NHL this season was brief, it was impossible to ignore the impact. In five games, Clattenburg showed Oilers management—and fans across the league—that he belongs. His journey, from Arnprior to the OHL to the NHL, stands as proof that perseverance and belief can still break through hockey’s long odds.

From 2022 to 2025, Clattenburg built his reputation in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Flint Firebirds, posting 31 goals, 74 points, and 302 penalty minutes. That edge, combined with his heart, carried him to the NHL—and it will carry him through recovery.

Now, as he heals, the support stretches far beyond Arnprior. Hockey fans across Canada are pulling for the standout kid who made it, wishing him strength, patience, and a full recovery. His story has already inspired many; the next chapter promises even more.

Connor Clattenburg’s NHL dream isn’t over—it’s simply paused. And when he returns next season, he’ll do so with an entire country eager to see what comes next.

HEADER MAGE: It was a loss for the Oilers, but Connor Clattenburg is all smiles as he holds the puck from his first NHL goal, November 25, 2025. Photo: Courtesy @oilers.nhl