Colin Chaulk Refined Connor Clattenburg Role

The Bakersfield Condors coach moved the winger to the fourth line to emphasize two-way play.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hockey

Stylized expressionist illustration of a hockey player in navy and orange skating across ice, conveying athletic motion and intensity. — Bakersfield Condors head coach Colin Chaulk has shifted Connor Clattenburg to the fourth line to focus on the winger's two-way development. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bakersfield Condors coach Colin Chaulk has placed Connor Clattenburg on the team's fourth line to prioritize two-way hockey. The Edmonton Oilers organization has currently excluded the forward from special teams duties.

Why it matters

The organization wants Clattenburg to develop his two-way game rather than focusing on fighting and scrums. This transition aims to improve his long-term utility after he faced an injury last season.

Clattenburg now occupies a fourth line position for the Bakersfield Condors. He is currently restricted from penalty killing duties, pending further development in his two-way play.

The players

Colin Chaulk

He serves as the head coach for the Bakersfield Condors.

Connor Clattenburg

He is a professional hockey player currently developing with the Bakersfield Condors.

Edmonton Oilers

This is the parent NHL club that oversees the development of players in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Condors

They are the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers based in Bakersfield.

The details

Coaches and management communicated the requirement for a straight-line role to Clattenburg to ensure he focuses on disciplined play. While he previously saw NHL action during a recall by the Edmonton Oilers last season, the team is now managing his return to form following an injury sustained in the AHL.

Last season, the Edmonton Oilers recalled Connor Clattenburg to the NHL.
As of October 2026, Clattenburg plays on the fourth line for the Bakersfield Condors.

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Season Trajectory

This roster move follows the standard developmental pattern established by the Edmonton Oilers' player development pipeline for prospects recovering from injury. By focusing on two-way play, the team aims to build a more versatile contributor who can eventually impact the NHL roster depth.

Clattenburg is currently excluded from all penalty kill duties, limiting his usage in high-leverage defensive situations. Coaches plan to integrate him into special teams and move him up the lineup only as his two-way performance justifies the promotion.

The takeaway

Focusing on two-way play serves as a vital step for prospects transitioning from the role of an enforcer to a reliable depth piece. Players who adapt to these specialized constraints often improve their chances of securing a permanent spot in the NHL rotation.