Keller turned 19 years old last week. But don't let his age fool you. He's a very smart hockey player.
"Clayton's vision allows him to make plays that other players might not try," said Steve Sullivan, Arizona's Assistant General Manager. "He sees the ice and what is about to happen. It's a high hockey IQ."
Keller played three games, including his NHL debut in St. Louis just miles from his hometown, for the Coyotes at the end of last season. That came after he helped Boston University go deep into the NCAA Tournament, and Team USA win a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. After the NHL season, Keller played for Team USA again at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. He was the youngest player in the tournament, and notched the first hat trick by a Team USA player in four years.
"Every step was an unreal experience, reaching all the goals you set for yourself and being part of some incredible teams," Keller said. "You don't have much time to think about it while it's happening, but when it's all over … you take a step back and realize how special it was. Everything that happened was amazing, but winning a gold medal for your country and those memories of beating Canada are No. 1 on the list."
Keller has turned his attention to preparing for Arizona's training camp. He knows there are jobs available on the Coyotes roster - at center and at wing - and hopes to earn one. That's why he spent time training in the Valley earlier this summer, after the annual Prospect Development Camp, at which he shined. Keller plans to return to Arizona for more training next week. As part of his approach, he has been focusing on nutrition and increasing strength this summer.