U.S.’ Clayton Keller to make Olympic debut against Germany

Better late than never.

Utah Mammoth star Clayton Keller will make his men’s Olympic hockey debut for the United States on Sunday, replacing Kyle Connor on the third line against Germany.

The Mammoth captain will skate alongside Tage Thompson and Dylan Larkin, blending a bit of size, skill and energy altogether.

Keller had previously sat out USA’s first two games against Latvia and Denmark.

Keller has 17 goals and 54 points in 57 games this season with the Mammoth. The 27-year-old is coming off the best season of his pro hockey career, registering 30 goals and 90 points to lead Utah in scoring in the team’s first year of existence.

In May, Keller joined the United States for the World Championship, serving as team captain. After registering three goals and 10 points in 10 games, the Chesterfield, Missouri native helped the American men’s senior team win gold for the first time since the 1980 Olympics, and their first World Championship since 1933.

Keller has 21 points in 26 games over three World Championships in his career. Prior to his pro career, Keller also represented the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, winning silver at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge, gold and bronze at the U-18 World Championship and gold at the 2017 World Juniors.

USA will look to finish the round-robin with a 3-0 record before kicking off the quarterfinal round on Wednesday. Connor Hellebuyck will get his second start of the game after Jeremy Swayman tended the net on Saturday.