Cole Clayton went undrafted in 2018 regardless of being a right-shot defenseman with good measurement.
In his closing season of junior hockey within the WHL with the Medication Hat Tigers, his crew performed simply 23 video games as a result of COVID. Regardless of the shortened marketing campaign, he made essentially the most of it, main all defensemen in factors (30) and targets (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 stable first yr of professional hockey, he re-upped with the Monsters on a two-year AHL contract by way 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 season. For Clayton, who by no means modified junior groups throughout his 4 years within the WHL and spent his complete professional profession to that time on the banks of Lake Erie, becoming a member of San Jose was a change, however one he shortly embraced.
“Yeah, it was somewhat troublesome at first, not understanding anybody coming in,” stated Clayton. “However we’ve acquired a terrific group of men right here, and so they’ve made it very easy to transition.”
Though he has but to play within the NHL, when the Sharks signed him this summer season, they noticed an ascending participant nonetheless creating and enhancing.
“He’s nonetheless younger, he’s massive, and he performs a mature recreation,” stated Barracuda Normal Supervisor Joe Will. “To me, I have a look at Cole as a prospect.”
With the Sharks within the midst of a rebuild, alternatives can be found. For Clayton, this represents a terrific likelihood to probably 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 stated. “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 start out the Barracuda season, Clayton has been paired primarily with Luca Cagnoni, an AHL All-Rookie Crew choice a season in the past. Final yr, Cagnoni’s primary 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, a terrific skater,” stated 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 turn into extra just like the NHL than ever earlier than. Gamers are handled effectively, practically all meals are offered, and staffs have expanded to offer gamers extra help and a focus. You’re additionally only one damage or telephone name away from the NHL. For those who hold working, hold creating, and be the very best participant and teammate you may be, you’ll be prepared when alternative knocks.
All the Sharks’ present right-shot defensemen are solely underneath contract by way of the 2025–26 season, so in idea, there may very well 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 stated. “While you’re coming in on an AHL contract, there are numerous issues that go in opposition to 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 pace and physicality of the professional recreation.
“He’s a proper shot, which is a bonus,” stated Will. “He’s bodily and robust, 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 youngsters 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 in opposition to the Calgary Hitmen on the Saddledome, however previous to the Barracuda’s latest journey to Calgary, he had by no means performed there as a professional. When he signed with the Sharks this summer season, understanding he’d possible begin the yr within the AHL, he circled that highway journey on the calendar instantly.
“It’s fairly particular to play in entrance of my household and pals,” stated Clayton. “My brothers acquired to return, I by no means actually get to see them. My dad and mom normally come out to wherever I’m taking part in a few instances a yr, 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 massive goals, Clayton hopes sooner or later to meet his lifelong purpose of taking part in within the NHL.
