By james art 
After the lists for 4 Nations Face-off was announced, the name of Clayton Keller was expected to be on the list. However, the omission of the captain of the Utah hockey club from the US team was a surprise for the whole league, and maybe for himself. The star striker was nothing more than impressive this season, as he continues to be the most dynamic and skilled player on Utah. Keller may have accepted the neglect personally, but he certainly did not allow the situation to prevent his game. In fact, the exclusion from the team can only have motivated Keller to take the next step in his career.
The head of the road
Keller was the most reliable player of Utah all season and continues to play this role. The 26-year-old wing was on the first line of Utah and did not disappoint during the team’s first campaign. Keller already has 51 points in 46 games played, which is first in Utah. He had 76 points in 78 games last season, but is about to reach and probably surpass this issue in fewer matches this year.
His abilities as an elite player are already established and well known in the League, but this year something is different. Keller demonstrates a high level of confidence not only in his teammates, but also in himself. A change for Keller this season is his rating plus/minus, which is -1. It’s not incredible, but it’s definitely better than -20, which it had last season and shows improvement in defense.
🗣️ Mr. Versatile increases the lead !!! pic.twitter.com/cunzc1duqf
– Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 24, 2025
The former seventh choice in 2016 is currently making a series of five points with ten recorded points. Keller also has 12 points in the last eight games in total, most of the Utah for the whole period. He created huge chemistry with the Center Logan Kulie and the two have become one of the best duets in the league. Tower climbed up the first line with Keller on the left and Nick Schmalz on the right as a reward for his recent game.
Tower is right after Utah captain for a second point with 42. Keller is the biggest threat to Utah in equal force in power games. 31 of its 51 points are marked with equal force, which is first for Utah, while the other 20 are marked in Powerplay. This is also good for the team management.
Hugging “c”
Not only is Keller’s confidence in the result, he begins to show leadership qualities in his first year as a captain. Being the first player to ever carry “C” in Utah history comes with a lot of pressure, but the four -time player of all the stars hugged the role. Being a leader does not necessarily mean to be the leader of the team at points, as this can be done in other ways. In the case of Keller, picking up a washer in the face and leaving the game, then returning to score a goal is a sign of this leadership.
Nothing but the sand by Clayton Keller last night.#UTAHHC | @Zionsbank Pic.twitter.com/jvcruskwva
– Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 21, 2025
Although it was an empty network, Keller returned with a large red wound over his right eye. This won him a high appreciation from Utah senior coach Andre Turini after winning Winnipeg Jets on Monday night. He will also gain more respect from his teammates. Depending on how the second half of the season goes to Keller, it can be in a step in a year career with a jute.
His best campaign was two years ago when he had 86 points in 82 games while in Arizona. Keller is a first submission player, but also has the ability to shoot the washer when the opportunity comes. Most recently, he scored a goal in Powerplay in the victory of Utah over Minnesota Wilde, another opponent in the division. The attacker will have to continue his current pace if he wants to help Utah get to the playoffs in his first season in his new home.
Main Photo: Christopher Krevelin