Apr 28, 2025 , 1:05 PM | Updated: 1:07 pm
Utah Hockey Club center Clayton Keller (9) celebrates after scoring a goal during an NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 22, 2025 (Tess Crowley, Deseret News).
(Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
COLE BAGLEY
SALT LAKE CITY – At the completion of their inaugural NHL campaign, the Utah Hockey Club finished with a 38-31-13 overall record (89 points, 5th in the Central Division). The following is an analysis and letter grade for captain Clayton Keller after a full season in Utah.
Stats: 81 GP, 30 G, 60 A, 19:07 TOI/G
The move to Utah unlocked a new level of performance for Keller as he experienced multiple career-highs, led the team offensively, and wore the “C” proudly for the newest franchise in the NHL.
With 30 goals (team-high), 60 assists (career-best) and 90 total points (career-best), Keller was the driving force for the Utah Hockey Club as he consistently directed traffic in the offensive zone every single night.
Whether it was individual brilliance, fierce one-timers, dirty snipes or well-placed passes to put his teammates in prime scoring position, Keller was a reliable juggernaut of offense.
That is an absolutely absurd pass from Clayton Keller. Backhand, hits Kesslering on his glove in stride, and a #UtahHC has their fastest goal in team history. https://t.co/uOMezAb6hh
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) November 8, 2024
CLAYTON KELLER WITH AN UNREAL GOAL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gZyBRpY3dI
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 31, 2024
⚡️OT thriller⚡️ pic.twitter.com/4Kji4sDiyf
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 13, 2024
Additionally, Keller also led by example as he played in 81 of 82 games, battled every shift, refused to quit and set the standard for his team in terms of a highly competitive mindset.
“He really drives the ship of this team,” Barrett Hayton said. “He pushes everyone. He expects the best out of himself and I think that transfers down throughout the entire group. That’s how he is, that’s how he drives us, and it’s been that way since before he was captain.”
GOOD GRAVY.
That’s why he wears the “C.”
Just an absolutely fierce competitor. https://t.co/pBrt9WuwY5
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 21, 2025
Related: Top 10 Utah Hockey Club Moments From Inaugural NHL Season
Statistically, there’s not much more that the Utah Hockey Club could ask of No. 9.
Sure, more goals and assists are always welcomed.
But where Keller needs improve next season is in terms of his captaincy.
Not that he’s a poor leader by any means, but the expectations for 2025-26 will be playoffs or bust and he’ll simply have to do more with the “C” on his chest.
He’ll need to hold himself and the team accountable for all 82 games, steer the group away from any significant losing streaks and spearhead an effort to make the postseason.
He knows that and has his eyes set on winning rather than personal accolades.
“It’s nice but that’s not what drives me. What drives me is winning,” Keller said.
“You want to be a player that’s impactful in the playoffs in big situations when it matters the most.”
Clayton Keller on reaching 90 points: “It’s nice but that’s not what drives me. What drives me is winning.”
“You want to be a player that’s impactful in the playoffs in big situations when it matters the most.” pic.twitter.com/XzMoT3fb1T
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Following the conclusion of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, the next notable event will be the NHL Draft on June 27 and 28.
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