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Cole Clayton went undrafted in 2018 regardless of being a right-shot defenseman with good measurement.
In his ultimate season of junior hockey within the WHL with the Drugs Hat Tigers, his crew performed simply 23 video games as a consequence of COVID. Regardless of the shortened marketing campaign, he made probably the most of it, main all defensemen in factors (30) and objectives (9). That efficiency was sufficient for the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, to supply him a one-year AHL contract.
After a strong first 12 months of professional hockey, he re-upped with the Monsters on a two-year AHL contract by means of the 2023–24 season. Following three years of building himself as a dependable two-way defenseman within the AHL, the Blue Jackets signed him to his first NHL contract on July 1, 2024.
After 4 years within the Blue Jackets group, the 6-foot-2, 199-pound native of Strathmore, Alberta, signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks this summer time. For Clayton, who by no means modified junior groups throughout his 4 years within the WHL and spent his total professional profession to that time on the banks of Lake Erie, becoming a member of San Jose was a change, however one he rapidly embraced.
“Yeah, it was a bit of troublesome at first, not figuring out anybody coming in,” mentioned Clayton. “However we’ve bought an excellent group of fellows right here, they usually’ve made it very easy to transition.”
Though he has but to play within the NHL, when the Sharks signed him this summer time, they noticed an ascending participant nonetheless creating and enhancing.
“He’s nonetheless younger, he’s huge, and he performs a mature recreation,” mentioned Barracuda Common Supervisor Joe Will. “To me, I take a look at Cole as a prospect.”
With the Sharks within the midst of a rebuild, alternatives can be found. For Clayton, this represents an excellent likelihood to doubtlessly crack an NHL lineup.
“It’s a spot the place they’re sort of a rising crew and there are some spots to be taken,” he mentioned. “Accidents occur on a regular basis, so I’m simply hoping to get my title within the combine to be one of many guys that will get referred to as up first.”
Throughout coaching camp and to begin the Barracuda season, Clayton has been paired primarily with Luca Cagnoni, an AHL All-Rookie Crew choice a season in the past. Final 12 months, Cagnoni’s predominant associate was Jimmy Schuldt, who went on to see his first NHL motion in six years.
Clayton has already been extremely impressed by the 20-year-old’s composure and ability.
“He’s superb, very offensive, very expert, an excellent skater,” mentioned Clayton of Cagnoni. “It’s cool to see a man with that sort of poise and ability with the puck, and I simply attempt to play off him.”
Life within the AHL isn’t all the time glamorous, lengthy bus rides, layovers, and fixed journey include the territory. However the league has develop into extra just like the NHL than ever earlier than. Gamers are handled nicely, practically all meals are supplied, and staffs have expanded to provide gamers extra assist and a spotlight. You’re additionally only one damage or telephone name away from the NHL. For those who preserve working, preserve creating, and be one of the best participant and teammate you may be, you’ll be prepared when alternative knocks.
The entire Sharks’ present right-shot defensemen are solely beneath contract by means of the 2025–26 season, so in concept, there could possibly be a path for the 25-year-old to achieve the NHL for the primary time in his profession.
“I’ve simply tried to develop as an individual and as a participant yearly,” Clayton mentioned. “Once you’re coming in on an AHL contract, there are numerous issues that go towards you, so I simply tried to get my foot within the door, make myself an on a regular basis participant, and from there develop into being, hopefully, a top-four man within the AHL.”
Over his first 4 seasons within the AHL, all spent with Cleveland, Clayton steadily progressed, adjusting to the elevated velocity and physicality of the professional recreation.
“He’s a proper shot, which is a bonus,” mentioned Will. “He’s bodily and powerful, and he’s a really welcome addition to us.”
Clayton grew up in Strathmore, Alberta, a city of about 12,000 positioned roughly 40 minutes outdoors of Calgary. Like most children born round 2000, Jarome Iginla was his favourite participant, and the Flames have been his favourite crew. The Saddledome was the cathedral.
Throughout his junior profession, he performed a handful of video games towards the Calgary Hitmen on the Saddledome, however previous to the Barracuda’s current journey to Calgary, he had by no means performed there as a professional. When he signed with the Sharks this summer time, figuring out he’d probably begin the 12 months within the AHL, he circled that street journey on the calendar immediately.
“It’s fairly particular to play in entrance of my household and mates,” mentioned Clayton. “My brothers bought to come back, I by no means actually get to see them. My mother and father normally come out to wherever I’m enjoying a few occasions a 12 months, so I get to see them, nevertheless it’s good to have the ability to play in entrance of my grandparents and household. They achieve this a lot for me, so it’s cool to have the ability to play in entrance of them.”
Strathmore is so small that, to have sufficient gamers for a crew, they needed to mix with the following city over.
A small-town child with huge desires, Clayton hopes at some point to meet his lifelong purpose of enjoying within the NHL.
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