Clayton Keller
A dynamic American scorer who became the face of his NHL franchise, evolving from a top-10 draft pick into a team captain.
Born 1998 (age 28)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 29·Generation Z
Biography
Clayton Keller's hockey talent was evident early, marked by a standout U.S. National Team Development Program career that made him a coveted prospect. Drafted seventh overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016, he didn't waste time, jumping directly to the NHL and immediately contending for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. With slick hands and elite vision, Keller became the offensive engine for the Coyotes, consistently leading the team in scoring. His importance to the franchise was cemented when he was named captain of the relocated Utah Mammoth, tasked with leading the team into a new era and city. His contract, one of the richest in team history, underscores his status as a cornerstone player.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Clayton was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Clayton Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Clayton's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Could drive
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named captain of the Utah Mammoth (formerly Arizona Coyotes) in 2024, becoming the franchise's youngest captain.
- Recorded a 37-goal, 86-point season in 2022-23, establishing career highs and leading his team in scoring.
- Was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2018 after a 65-point season.
- Represented the United States at multiple IIHF World Championships, often serving as a top-line forward.
Did You Know?
He played college hockey for one season at Boston University before turning professional.
Keller and his brother both played in the 2024 IIHF World Championship for Team USA.
He is known for his distinctive, fluid skating style and ability to control the puck at high speeds.
“You have to be confident in your abilities and go out there and make plays.”
