After the rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off were announced, it was expected that Clayton Keller’s name would be on the list. However, the Utah Hockey Club captain’s omission from Team USA was a surprise throughout the league and maybe for himself too. The star forward has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season as he continues to be Utah’s most dynamic and skilled player. Perhaps Keller took the snub personally, but he certainly hasn’t let the situation get in the way of his play. In fact, the exclusion from the team may have only motivated Keller to take the next step in his career.
Leading the Way
Keller has been Utah’s most reliable player all season long and he continues to fill that role. The 26-year-old winger has been on Utah’s first line and he hasn’t disappointed during the team’s first campaign. Keller already has 51 points in 46 games played, which is first on Utah. He had 76 points in 78 games last season, but is on pace to reach and likely exceed that number in less games this year.
His abilities as an elite player are already established and well-known around the league, but something is different this year. Keller’s demonstrating a high level of confidence, not in only his teammates, but in himself too. One change for Keller this season has been his plus/minus rating, which sits at a -1. It’s not amazing, but it’s definitely better than the -20 he had last season and shows a defensive improvement.
Mr. Versatile extends the lead!!! pic.twitter.com/cuNzC1DUQf
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 24, 2025
The former seventh overall pick in 2016 is currently riding a five-game point streak with ten points recorded. Keller also has 12 points in the last eight games overall, the most on Utah in the span. He’s formed tremendous chemistry with centre Logan Cooley and the two have become one of the league’s best duos. Cooley moved up the first line with Keller on the left and Nick Schmaltz to his right as a reward for his recent play.
Cooley is right behind the Utah captain for second in points with 42. Keller’s been Utah’s biggest threat at even strength and on the power play. 31 of his 51 points have come at even strength, which is first on Utah, while the other 20 were scored on the power play. That’s also good for the team lead.
Embracing the “C”
Not only is Keller’s scoring confidence high, he’s starting to show leadership qualities in his first year as captain. Being the first player to ever wear the “C” in Utah’s history comes with a lot of pressure, but the four-time all-star has embraced the role. Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being the team’s leader in points, as it can be done in other ways. In Keller’s case, taking a puck to the face and leaving the game, then coming back to score a goal is a sign of that leadership.
Nothing but grit from Clayton Keller last night.#UtahHC | @ZionsBank pic.twitter.com/JvCRuSkwVa
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 21, 2025
Although it was an empty netter, Keller returned with a big red cut above his right eye. That earned him high praise from Utah head coach Andre Tourigny after Monday night’s win against the Winnipeg Jets. It will also earn him more respect from his teammates. Depending on how the second half of the season goes for Keller, he could be on pace for a career year with Utah.
His best campaign was two years ago when he had 86 points in 82 games while in Arizona. Keller is a pass-first player, but also has the ability to shoot the puck when the opportunity arises. He most recently scored a power play goal in Utah’s shutout victory over the Minnesota Wild, another divisional foe. The forward will need to continue his current pace if he wishes to help Utah make the playoffs in their first season in their new home.
Main Photo: Christopher Crevelin
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