Clifton began his freshman season at Quinnipiac University during the 2013–14 season. He was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team during all four seasons with the Quinnipiac Bobcats.[4] In his junior season, Clifton was named captain of the Bobcats and at the conclusion of the season was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Tournament, NCAA East All-Frozen Four Team, and honored ECAC Hockey Most Outstanding Player in Tournament.[4]
Professional
Boston Bruins
In 2017, after failing to reach an agreement with the Arizona Coyotes, Clifton signed with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played 54 games.[3]
Clifton was signed to a two year entry-level NHL contract by the Boston Bruins on May 3, 2018.[5] He began the 2018–19 season in Providence, and made his NHL debut on November 16, 2018, against the Dallas Stars, after being recalled on an emergency basis.[3][6][7]
On March 23, 2019, Clifton registered his first NHL point with an assist on a Noel Acciari's goal, in a 7–3 win over the Florida Panthers.[8] He scored his first NHL goal in Game 2 of that year's Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, as part of a 6–2 rout.[9] The Bruins would later advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, but would lose to the St. Louis Blues in seven games.[10] He would earn the nickname "Cliffy Hockey" during his time with the Bruins.[11]
On July 1, 2019, Clifton signed a three-year, $3 million contract extension to remain with the Bruins.[12]
Clifton's play the previous season earned him a spot on the opening night roster for the Bruins to start the 2019–20 season. Clifton was a regular fixture on the third defense pairing for the Bruins until the season was suddenly postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, registering two goals in 33 games. He would play in eight postseason games for the Bruins, scoring a goal and two assists before the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
Solidifying himself as an NHL defensemen, Clifton would play in 44 games for the Bruins in the shortened 2020–21 season, scoring a goal and six assists for seven points. He would continue being a solid presence for the Bruins the following season, scoring two goals and eight assists in 60 games.
Clifton, in addition to being a solid defensive presence, would establish himself as a good offensive weapon as well at times during the 2022–23 season, scoring five goals and 18 assists, both career highs, to help the Bruins to a record-breaking season.
Buffalo Sabres
On July 1, 2023, Clifton left the Bruins as a free agent and was signed to a three-year, $9.99 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres.[13] On October 27, Clifton delivered an illegal check to the head on New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier, who was injured on the play. Clifton was assessed a match penalty, and following a league hearing was suspended for two games.[14][15]
^Caldwell, Dave. "At Quinnipiac, Brothers May Add an N.C.A.A. Title to Their Bond", The New York Times, March 28, 2016. Accessed November 19, 2018. "When Tim and Connor Clifton, brothers from Matawan, N.J., decided to attend Quinnipiac University to major in mechanical engineering and play hockey together, they took one more bold step.... Tim and Connor Clifton were teammates at the perennially powerful Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J., before Tim graduated and joined the Hitmen."
