NHL News: Penguins land veteran defenseman from Sabres in multi-piece trade involving Conor Timmins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strategic move to strengthen their blue line, acquiring veteran defenseman Connor Clifton from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that also involves Conor Timmins, a 2025 draft pick, and a developing prospect. The deal comes as Pittsburgh seeks to retool its roster around franchise legend Sidney Crosby.

Along with Clifton, the Penguins also received the No. 39 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, which they later used to select Peyton Kettles, a 17-year-old defenseman from Swift Current of the WHL. In return, Buffalo acquired Timmins, a mobile 26-year-old defenseman with offensive upside, and Isaac Belliveau, a 22-year-old blue line prospect.

This trade marks the latest step by Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to infuse veteran presence and balance into a defensive core that continues to evolve following multiple playoff absences.

Clifton brings physicality, experience to Pittsburgh

Connor Clifton, 30, played in 73 games for Buffalo last season, registering 16 points (1 goal, 15 assists). A reliable, right-shot defenseman with a physical edge, Clifton enters the final year of his three-year, $9.99 million contract signed on July 2, 2023. The Penguins are expected to rely on his experience and defensive stability as they look to return to playoff contention.

Penguins reshape blue line by trading for Connor Clifton in deal with Buffalo Sabres. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images)

Drafted in 2013 by the Phoenix Coyotes, Clifton has played in 384 NHL games, producing 77 points (15 goals, 62 assists), with previous stints in Boston and Buffalo. He’s also appeared in 46 Stanley Cup Playoff games, contributing 10 points.

see also

Penguins GM delivers clear position on Sidney Crosby’s future following NHL Draft

Buffalo adds upside with Timmins and Belliveau

Conor Timmins, 26, heads to Buffalo with 46 career points (6 goals, 40 assists) in 159 NHL games. Selected 32nd overall in the 2017 Draft by Colorado, Timmins has suited up for the Avalanche, Coyotes, Maple Leafs, and Penguins. He is a restricted free agent as of July 1, giving the Sabres flexibility in contract negotiations.

Meanwhile, Isaac Belliveau, a 2021 fifth-round pick by Pittsburgh, split the 2024–25 season between the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, recording a combined 23 points in 47 games. He adds developmental depth to Buffalo’s blue line pipeline.