Connor Clifton logs heavy minutes in Bruins season opener against Rangers

Connor Clifton marked his return to the Boston Bruins by logging 23:23 minutes in their season-opening victory over the Rangers on October 1, 2026. With Charlie McAvoy suspended, Clifton took on a crucial role alongside Nikita Zadorov, contributing to a strong defensive performance. Clifton expressed excitement about the workload despite feeling sore. Coach Marco Sturm highlighted the pairing’s effectiveness against challenging opponents, noting their potential to handle increased responsibilities in future games. The Bruins' reliance on Clifton may shift once McAvoy returns, presenting an ongoing opportunity for Clifton to solidify his role within the defense.

• 12:55 AMYahoo Sports — Connor Clifton’s Bruins Return Already Includes A Surprising New Responsibility