In a historic moment for the Utah Hockey Club, forward Clayton Keller has been named the team’s first captain in franchise history. The announcement was made on social media Friday morning, marking a significant milestone for the organization. This decision comes after the Coyotes did not designate a captain for the past three seasons, highlighting the importance of this leadership role for the team.
Keller, 26, has established himself as a key player for the Arizona Coyotes, boasting an impressive 76 points in 78 games last season. His outstanding performance on the ice has earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans alike. President of hockey operations, Chris Armstrong, expressed his confidence in Keller’s ability to lead the team, stating, “As a leader, Clayton exemplifies the values of our organization and the identity we want to build for our franchise here in Utah.”
In a statement following the announcement, Keller shared his gratitude for being named captain, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the role. “I understand it’s a privilege to be a captain in the NHL, and a huge honor to know that management, coaches, and my teammates have the belief in me to lead this team,” Keller said. “It’s a huge responsibility and one I have prepared my whole life for.”
The Missouri native was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2016 NHL Draft and has consistently delivered impressive performances on the ice. With two consecutive 30-plus goal seasons under his belt, Keller has solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier players. His career statistics speak for themselves, with 166 goals and 252 assists for a total of 418 points in 520 regular season games.
As Keller embarks on his new role as captain, he will be supported by a team of great leaders who are committed to achieving their goal of becoming a playoff contender. With his proven track record of success and dedication to the sport, Keller is poised to lead the Utah Hockey Club to new heights in the upcoming season.
The four-time All-Star is entering the fifth year of an eight-year, $57.2 million contract he signed in September of 2019, solidifying his commitment to the team and his role as captain. With Keller at the helm, the Utah Hockey Club is primed for a successful and promising future in the NHL.
