Kale Clague Bio
Kale Clague is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 51st overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2016 NHL entry draft. Clague has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres.
Early Life and Background
Kale Clague was born on June 5, 1998, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, to parents Jason and Juanita. His father, Jason Clague, was a goaltender for the 2000–01 Lloydminster Border Kings, which was inducted into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame. Additionally, his uncle Trevor Hanas has a background in ice hockey, having played five seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) before a brief professional career. Growing up, Kale attended Holy Rosary High School and achieved success in hockey, winning the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament. Clague’s early exposure to sports was not limited to ice hockey; he also played baseball. He helped the Lloydminster Twins Peewee AA team win the Western Canadian Baseball Championship in 2010 and was part of the Alberta Peewee Provincial Championship-winning team. During his bantam career, he set a scoring record for defencemen in the province’s bantam AAA ranks, scoring 35 goals and accumulating 77 points in just 33 games. This impressive performance surpassed the previous record held by former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf.
Path to Hockey
Clague’s hockey journey began in earnest when he was drafted sixth overall by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2013 Western Hockey League bantam draft. He competed in four pre-season games with the Wheat Kings during the 2013–14 season, where he recorded two goals and five points before returning to the Alberta Midget Hockey League. He eventually rejoined the WHL to compete with the Wheat Kings in the 2014 WHL Playoffs. At just 16 years old, Clague made his rookie season debut with the Wheat Kings, although injuries limited him to only 20 games. Reflecting on his rookie season, Clague acknowledged the challenges he faced but emphasized his determination to recover and improve. Following a disappointing rookie season, Clague increased his offensive output significantly, recording 43 points in 71 regular-season games and participating in the 2016 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. By the end of the playoffs, he tied for second among WHL defensemen in scoring with 14 points in 21 games. This performance led to his selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2016 NHL entry draft. After joining the Kings for their 2016 development camp, Clague suffered a leg injury but returned to the WHL, where he was named one of the Wheat Kings’ alternate captains for the 2016–17 season.
Kale Clague Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Kale Clague made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings on December 21, 2019, against the Buffalo Sabres. During his first NHL call-up, he played in four games, averaging 14:34 time on ice per game. Upon returning to the AHL, Clague was named to the 2020 AHL All-Star Game for the first time, leading team defensemen in points with 16 in 33 games. When the NHL resumed for the 2020–21 season, Clague was named to the Kings’ opening night roster. On August 6, 2021, he signed a one-year extension with the Kings worth $761,250 at the NHL level. In the 2021–22 season, Clague began the year with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. He was recalled to the Kings multiple times, registering five assists in 11 games before being placed on waivers and subsequently claimed by the Montreal Canadiens on December 4, 2021.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
After becoming a free agent from the Canadiens, Clague signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres on July 13, 2022. Following three seasons with the Sabres, he left as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2025–26 season on July 1, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kale Clague has been recognized for his offensive skills and defensive capabilities. He has been described as an offensive defenseman with excellent vision and skating ability. His playing style has drawn comparisons to NHL star Drew Doughty, highlighting his potential as a dynamic player in the league.
Kale Clague Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kale Clague has garnered attention for his performances on the ice, although specific award nominations have not been detailed in the available information.
Kale Clague Awards Won
Kale Clague has not won any major awards that are documented in the available information.
Kale Clague Family
Kale Clague was born to Jason and Juanita Clague, who have supported his athletic endeavors throughout his life.
Personal Life
Details regarding Kale Clague’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
