Clayton signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sharks on Tuesday.
Clayton entered free agency after not getting a qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets. In 2024-25, he had 15 points in 63 regular-season games with AHL Cleveland. Clayton has yet to make his NHL debut and doesn't have an obvious path to a bottom-four role heading into 2025-26 with the Sharks, so expect him to spend much of the year with AHL San Jose.
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Cole Clayton: Doesn't receive qualifying offer
Rotowire
Clayton didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.
Clayton hasn't yet made his NHL debut, and he spent the last four seasons with AHL Cleveland. He logged a goal, 14 assists and 37 PIM over 63 AHL appearances last year and will now be free to seek out other opportunities.
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Blue Jackets' Cole Clayton: AHL bound
Rotowire
Clayton was demoted to AHL Cleveland on Saturday, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
Clayton was recalled from the AHL on Friday to fill out the roster in the final preseason game for the Blue Jackets. The defenseman scored once in a 7-3 loss to the Penguins before returning to the minors.
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Blue Jackets' Cole Clayton: Added to camp roster
Rotowire
Clayton was recalled from AHL Cleveland on Tuesday.
Cole registered 20 points in 59 regular-season contests with AHL Cleveland in 2023-24. The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jackets in July.
