Adam Clendening

Adam Clendening
Clendening with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015
Born	(1992-10-26) October 26, 1992 (age 30) Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Right
Liiga team Former teams	Ilves Chicago Blackhawks Vancouver Canucks Pittsburgh Penguins Edmonton Oilers New York Rangers Arizona Coyotes Columbus Blue Jackets
National team	United States
NHL Draft	36th overall, 2011 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2012–present

Adam Clendening (born October 26, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing for Ilves of the Finnish Liiga. Clendening was raised in Wheatfield, New York. He was selected 36th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. ^[1]

Early life

Clendening was born on October 26, 1992, in Niagara Falls, New York. ^[2] He grew up in Wheatfield, New York, but his father Frank was a lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL), and Clendening grew up supporting the Bruins rather than the nearby Buffalo Sabres. ^[3] His parents were also friends with the parents of future NHL star Patrick Kane, and the two would practice playing ice hockey together. ^[4] In 2004, Clendening participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from Rochester, New York. ^[5] When he enrolled at Niagara-Wheatfield High School, Clendening originally wanted to pursue golf, playing on the varsity team as a freshman. The following year, however, he moved to Toronto to pursue hockey. ^[6]

Playing career

Junior

After securing the permission of his mother Ann, Clendening moved to Canada at the age of 14 to play for the Toronto Marlboros AAA junior ice hockey team of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he was coached by NHL alum Steve Thomas. After he put up 45 points in 38 games with Toronto, the USA Hockey National Team Development Program selected Clendening for their under-17 team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ^[7] With the development program, Clendening not only competed in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), but would play against NCAA Division I and Division III college ice hockey teams, as well as international squads. ^[8] He had a breakout sophomore season with USA Hockey, leading all junior defensemen with 49 points (including 14 goals in 65 North American games, while also leading his team with 120 penalty minutes. His 20 points in 18 international games also led the development team. ^[9]

NCAA

His performance with the USA development team made Clendening a valuable recruit, who was sought after both by junior teams and by college programs. He originally made a verbal commitment to play for Boston College, but that arrangement fell through when Clendening continued to pursue his options in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). ^[10] The London Knights selected Clendening in the 2008 OHL Draft, but Clendening chose to attend Boston University and play for the Terriers after assessing that scouts were looking more intently at college players than junior hockey skaters. ^[7]

After two seasons with the Terriers, posting nine goals and 59 points for a combined +19 in 77 games, Clendening chose to leave the program in favor of pursuing an NHL career. ^[11]

Professional

Chicago Blackhawks

Clendening made his NHL debut on November 20, 2014, and scored his first NHL goal on his first shot against Jonas Hiller of the Calgary Flames. ^[12] Clendening spent the majority of his time with the club with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford Icehogs.^{[ citation needed ]}

Vancouver Canucks

Clendening with the Canucks in February 2015

On January 29, 2015, the Blackhawks traded Clendening to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Gustav Forsling. ^[13] Clendening finished out the season appearing in 17 games for the Canucks, as well as 11 games for the Utica Comets.^{[ citation needed ]}

Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 28, 2015, Clendening, along with Nick Bonino and a 2nd-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft were traded from the Canucks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brandon Sutter and a 3rd-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. ^[14] Clendening made the Penguins roster to open the 2015–16 season, and would appear in 9 games for the club, as well as 6 for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.^{[ citation needed ]}

Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers

On January 16, 2016, Clendening was included in yet another trade, being sent to the Anaheim Ducks alongside David Perron in exchange for Carl Hagelin. ^[15] However, Clendening's time with the Ducks was short-lived, as he was claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers two weeks later on January 27. ^[16] This marked the fifth organization Clendening would join within the year, though he never actually played a game whilst with the Ducks. Clendening skated in 20 games for the Oilers, recording 1 goal and 6 points.^{[ citation needed ]}

New York Rangers

On July 1, 2016, Clendening signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. ^[17] Clendening appeared in 31 games for the Rangers, scoring 11 points.^{[ citation needed ]}

Arizona Coyotes and return to Chicago

On July 1, 2017, Clendening signed a one-year, one-way contract as a free agent with the Arizona Coyotes. ^[18] Having made the Coyotes opening night roster for the 2017–18 season, Clendening only appeared in 5 games for the team before he was placed on waivers and reassigned to play 21 games for the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.^{[ citation needed ]}

On January 10, 2018, Clendening, alongside Anthony Duclair was traded to the Blackhawks in exchange for Richard Pánik and Laurent Dauphin, returning to Chicago for a second stint. ^[19] He was immediately assigned to play out the remainder of the season with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.^{[ citation needed ]}

Columbus Blue Jackets

As a free agent from the Blackhawks, Clendening left to sign a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 1, 2018. ^[20] He began the 2018–19 season on the Blue Jackets opening night roster, featuring in 4 games before he was placed on waivers and reassigned to AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. Leading the Monsters blueline in scoring, Clendening posted 4 goals and 37 points in 45 games, before he was recalled by Columbus to add depth for the playoffs. He made his NHL playoff debut with the Blue Jackets, appearing in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He went on to collect an assist in 7 games before ending his season in the Conference Semifinals to the Boston Bruins.

On June 25, 2019, Clendening was re-signed to a two-year $1.4 million contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. ^[21]

Philadelphia Flyers

Following his third season within the Blue Jackets organization, Clendening left as a free agent and secured a one-year, two-way contract with the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2021–22 season on July 28, 2021. ^[22]

Return to Rockford and trade to Hartford

On July 18, 2022, Clendening signed a one-year AHL contract to return to the IceHogs for the 2022–23 season, his third stint with the club. ^[23] Clendening posted 3 goals and 24 points through 48 games to co-lead in scoring from the blueline for the IceHogs. In the aftermath of the Patrick Kane trade between the Blackhawks and Rangers, Clendening was traded at the AHL level to the Rangers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, in exchange for Zach Jordan on February 28, 2023. ^[24]

International play

After a number of injuries hamstrung Team USA's under-18 roster, Clendening was called up from the under-17 team for the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships in Minnesota. He appeared in seven championship games, putting up two assists as Team USA defeated Russia 5–0 to win a dark horse gold medal. ^[25]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2008–09	U.S. NTDP U17	USDP		15	1	5	6	18		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	U.S. NTDP U18	USDP		13	1	5	6	14		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	U.S. NTDP U18	NAHL		34	0	9	9	38		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	U.S. NTDP Juniors	USHL		26	4	13	17	44		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	U.S. NTDP U18	USDP		39	10	22	32	76		—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Boston University	HE		39	5	21	26	80		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	Boston University	HE		38	4	29	33	64		—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		73	9	37	46	67		—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		74	12	47	59	64		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		38	1	12	13	20		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		4	1	1	2	2		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		17	0	2	2	8		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Utica Comets	AHL		11	1	4	5	28		23	3	5	8	26
2015–16	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		9	0	1	1	10		—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins	AHL		6	0	3	3	0		—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		20	1	5	6	10		—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	New York Rangers	NHL		31	2	9	11	17		—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Arizona Coyotes	NHL		5	0	2	2	2		—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Tucson Roadrunners	AHL		21	1	4	5	40		—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		38	4	26	30	48		13	1	13	14	8
2018–19	Columbus Blue Jackets	NHL		4	0	0	0	0		7	0	1	1	2
2018–19	Cleveland Monsters	AHL		45	4	33	37	98		—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Cleveland Monsters	AHL		55	7	34	41	75		—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Cleveland Monsters	AHL		9	1	3	4	6		—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Lehigh Valley Phantoms	AHL		74	5	37	42	78		—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		48	3	21	24	51		—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Hartford Wolf Pack	AHL		20	1	8	9	16		6	2	0	2	24
NHL totals				90	4	20	24	49		7	0	1	1	2

Medal record
Representing   United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
	2021 Latvia
IIHF World U18 Championships
	2009 United States
	2010 Belarus

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2009	United States	U17			6	1	3	4	4
2009	United States	U18			7	0	2	2	4
2010	United States	U18			7	3	7	10	4
2012	United States	WJC	7th		6	1	4	5	6
2021	United States	WC			7	2	3	5	2
Junior totals					26	5	16	21	18
Senior totals					7	2	3	5	2

Awards and honors

Award	Year
College
All-Hockey East Rookie Team	2010–11	[26]
All-Hockey East First Team	2011–12
AHL
Second All-Star Team	2012–13
First All-Star Team	2013–14	[27]
International
IIHF World U18 Championships All-Star Team	2010	[28]
IIHF World U18 Championships Best Plus/Minus	2010
IIHF World U18 Championships Most Points by Defenseman	2010
IIHF World U18 Championships Top 3 Player on Team	2010

References

1. Connolly, John (June 26, 2011). "A parade of Terriers". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
2. "Adam Clendening Stats and News". National Hockey League. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
3. Gleason, Bucky (February 27, 2015). "Clendening talks hockey with a Boston accent". The Buffalo News . Retrieved August 28, 2021.
4. Peters, Kelsey (January 23, 2012). "The education of Adam Clendening". National Hockey League. Chicago Blackhawks. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
5. "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
6. Sowa, Jeff (April 14, 2008). "HOCKEY: Clendening writing his own ticket". Niagara Gazette . Retrieved August 28, 2021.
7. Schmitt, Tim (May 29, 2010). "Clendening hoping to finish gold rush in hometown". Niagara Gazette. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
8. "Adam Clendening". USA Hockey . Retrieved August 28, 2021.
9. Kimelman, Adam (October 15, 2010). "Pressure doesn't affect Clendening". National Hockey League. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
10. Hume, Mike (October 7, 2010). "NHL Draft Profiles: BU's Adam Clendening". ESPN.com . Retrieved August 28, 2021.
11. Fromi, Jon (June 3, 2012). "Chicago Blackhawks: Meet the 5 Newest Hawks Under Entry-Level Contract". Bleacher Report . Retrieved August 28, 2021.
12. "Adam Clendening scores first NHL goal in Blackhawks debut". Comcast SportsNet Chicago . November 20, 2014. Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
13. "Blackhawks acquire Forsling for Clendening". Chicago Blackhawks . nhl.com. January 29, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
14. "Canucks acquire Sutter & 3rd rounder from Pens". Vancouver Canucks . Retrieved July 28, 2015.
15. "Ducks acquire Perron and Clendening from Pittsburgh for Hagelin". Anaheim Ducks. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
16. "Edmonton Oilers claim defenceman Adam Clendening off waivers from Anaheim". National Hockey League. January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
17. "Rangers come to terms with Adam Clendening". New York Rangers. July 1, 2016. Archived from the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
18. "Coyotes sign Clendening to one-year contract". Arizona Coyotes. July 1, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
19. "Blackhawks acquire Anthony Duclair from Coyotes in four player trade". The Globe and Mail . January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
20. "Columbus Blue Jackets sign Adam Clendening". Columbus Blue Jackets. July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
21. "Blue Jackets re-sign Clendening to two-year extension". Columbus Blue Jackets. June 25, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
22. "Flyers sign five players to two-way deals". Philadelphia Flyers. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
23. "IceHogs All-time defensive scorer Adam Clendening returns for 2022–23 season". Rockford IceHogs. July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
24. "Wolf Pack and IceHogs complete trade". Hartford Wolf Pack. February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
25. Rodriguez, Miguel (April 23, 2009). "Winning gold sinks in for Clendening Falls product was part of USA's under-18 team". The Buffalo News. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
26. McLaughlin, Scott (March 16, 2011). "The Boston Hockey Blog: Charlie Coyle, Adam Clendening named to Hockey East All-Rookie Team". thebostonhockeyblog.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2011.
27. "First, Second AHL All-Stars named". American Hockey League. April 10, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
28. "Elite Prospects – Hockey Awards". eliteprospects.com.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  Hockey-Reference.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database