Kyle Clifford, a longtime NHL enforcer and former St. Louis Blues winger, has announced his retirement from professional hockey.
Clifford’s career spanned 753 regular-season games and 65 playoff appearances. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (35th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft, he spent a decade in L.A. and won two Stanley Cups before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020.
Later that year, Clifford signed a two-year, $2 million deal with the Blues. He played in 50 games during the shortened 2020–21 season, recording four goals and three assists while adding toughness to the lineup. He also appeared in all four playoff games that spring as the Blues were eliminated by Colorado. Known for his physical presence, he had four fighting majors that year, including a win over Arizona’s John Hayden.
By the 2021–22 season, Clifford had become the Blues’ extra forward. After appearing in just two games, he was placed on waivers and eventually returned to Toronto. For the past three seasons, he played primarily with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.
Following his retirement, Clifford will remain with the Maple Leafs organization, taking on a role in player development.
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