Utah Hockey Club Names Clayton Keller As First-Ever Captain

 

Thirty NHL teams had captains as of Friday.

One more was added to the list by the Utah Hockey Club.


The team formally declared on Friday that Clayton Keller, the former No. 7 overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, will become the team's first-ever captain.

Keller, who was an alternate captain for Arizona the past two seasons, led the Coyotes in goals (33), assists (43) and points (76) in 2023-24, the franchise's final season in the greater Phoenix area. He was a finalist for the 2017-18 Calder Trophy given to the NHL rookie of the year, won by New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal.

"To be named captain of Utah Hockey Club is an enormous honor and one that Clayton has earned," Utah HC general manager Bill Armstrong said. "He’s looking forward to the challenges that come with serving as a captain and will be surrounded by a strong leadership group that will be able to support and help lead this team.

Keller's official team captain announcement will take place later today at Hotel Park City, and Armstrong, Keller, and head coach Andre Tourigny will be present.