Keller hits career-high in assists as Utah Hockey Club pushes for playoffs

SALT LAKE CITY — Clayton Keller's first year in Utah may prove to be the best of his NHL career.

The Utah Hockey Club's captain has already set a new personal best in assists, notching his 50th of the season during Utah's 4-3 shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday at the Delta Center.

But ask Keller how it feels to set a career high in helpers, and he'll do what he does best — pass.

"Yeah, I'm not too worried about the stats or anything," Keller said. "I'm focused on doing everything I can to help this team win. As long as I'm playing my game and creating chances, the rest will take care of itself."

With 50 assists in the 2024-25 campaign, Keller has surpassed his previous high of 49, set in 2022-23 when the franchise was still the Arizona Coyotes. That season, his 37 goals propelled him to a career-best 86 points. Now sitting at 73 points with 18 games to go, Keller's pace suggests he could crack the 90-point mark for the first time in his career.

A four-time NHL All-Star — and, some would say, a snub from Team USA's 4 Nations Face-Off roster — Keller has pushed Utah into playoff contention, and his teammates have taken notice.

"He's our leader, obviously," said defenseman Michael Kesselring. "He's elevated his game big time. Clutch moments, big moments, like in Chicago to help us get a point. He's really taken the 'C' and been our leader this year. He's a gamer. He shows up in big moments, and that's what you need out of your captain."

Keller's third-period goal in Chicago on Friday salvaged a crucial point in the standings, forcing overtime. While Utah ultimately fell in the extra period thanks to a goal by Connor Bedard, that point could prove critical in the Western Conference playoff race.

On Monday, Keller kept Utah alive with a slick deke that fooled Toronto netminder Joseph Woll in the shootout. But the home crowd left disappointed as Mitch Marner sealed the win for the Leafs, beating Karel Vejmelka on the deciding attempt.

Win or lose, Keller's playmaking has been a driving force in Utah's offense. While his 50 assists stand out in the team's inaugural season, he remains a capable goal-scorer himself, with 23 goals on the year.

Some want him to shoot the puck more — including those on Utah's bench.

"He's a pass-first guy; we bark at him enough to shoot the puck," head coach André Tourigny said. "But you have to appreciate the quality of his playmaking. He wants to make all the plays."

By reaching 50 assists, Keller joins an exclusive club; only six players in NHL history have recorded that many in a franchise's first season. Among them? Wayne Gretzky, who notched 86 assists during the Edmonton Oilers' inaugural NHL campaign in 1979-80.

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