Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Clayton Keller is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as captain of the Utah Mammoth in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 29, 1998, in Chesterfield, Missouri, he grew up in Swansea, Illinois, in a family that played an essential role in his development as a hockey player.
Clayton Keller’s parents are Bryan Keller and Kelley Keller, and he has one younger brother named Jake Keller, who also played competitive hockey. His father passed away in November 2025, while his maternal grandfather, Bill Simpson, was another major influence on his childhood. Although Keller’s family background is well documented, he has kept his romantic relationships private, and there is no publicly verified information confirming that he has a wife or children.
Clayton Keller’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Clayton Keller has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner.
Despite his popularity as an NHL captain and American international hockey player, Keller has maintained considerable privacy regarding his dating life.
His public interviews have primarily focused on his professional hockey career, family background, teammates, and charitable activities.
A February 2026 relationship profile published by Swooon, part of TV Insider, described Keller’s romantic relationship status as unclear, noting that he had not publicly discussed having a significant other.
Although fans have expressed curiosity about his personal life, no reliable public announcement has established the identity of a girlfriend.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed. It would be inaccurate to describe him as single or identify a particular woman as his girlfriend without verified evidence.
Is Clayton Keller Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Clayton Keller is married.
Official NHL biographies, Team USA profiles, and established sports reporting do not identify a wife or provide details about an engagement or wedding.
Keller has generally chosen to keep his romantic life separate from his professional career.
Therefore, claims that he has a wife should be treated as unverified unless supported by a credible public announcement.
Does Clayton Keller Have Children?
There is no publicly verified information indicating that Clayton Keller has children.
The Utah Mammoth captain has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father, and reputable sports biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Keller maintains strong relationships with his parents, brother, and extended family, details about whether he has started a family of his own remain private.
Clayton Keller’s Parents
Clayton Keller was born to Bryan Keller and Kelley Keller, who raised him and his younger brother Jake in Swansea, Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri.
Both parents made significant sacrifices to support their sons’ hockey ambitions, including traveling to practices, paying for competitive training, and adjusting their professional responsibilities.
Clayton Keller’s Father: Bryan Keller
Bryan Keller was Clayton Keller’s father and one of the most influential people in his hockey journey.
He worked as a certified public accountant and businessman, building a successful professional career while supporting his family’s sporting interests.
According to a 2022 PHNX Sports family profile, Bryan worked long hours and frequently traveled for business while Clayton and Jake were growing up.
His efforts helped provide the financial resources needed for both sons to participate in competitive ice hockey.
Bryan also encouraged Clayton to develop a strong work ethic, particularly because his son was smaller than many players competing at the same level.
He frequently reminded Clayton that determination, preparation, and discipline could help overcome physical disadvantages.
One memorable feature of their childhood home was an unfinished basement where Clayton and Jake practiced shooting hockey pucks.
Bryan helped transform the space into a makeshift hockey rink, allowing the brothers to practice regularly.
He also took Clayton to St. Louis Blues games, where the young player developed admiration for professional NHL athletes.
In an April 2025 interview published by the Utah Mammoth, Bryan recalled attending games with Clayton when his son was so young that he needed to sit on his father’s lap to watch the action.
When Did Clayton Keller’s Father Die?
Sadly, Bryan Keller passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2025, Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
He was 64 years old.
The Utah Mammoth publicly confirmed his death the following day, shortly before their game against the Dallas Stars.
Despite the heartbreaking news, Clayton decided to play, explaining through the organization that he wanted to remain alongside his teammates.
Utah’s coaches and players expressed condolences and emphasized their support for Keller and his family.
The following evening, during a game against the St. Louis Blues, Keller became emotional while reflecting on childhood memories of attending games with his father and grandfather.
In January 2026, he spoke about how much Bryan would have enjoyed seeing him selected for the United States Olympic hockey team.
Keller continued honoring his father’s memory during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped Team USA win a gold medal.
Clayton Keller’s Mother: Kelley Keller
Kelley Keller is Clayton Keller’s mother and a major influence on his personal and professional development.
She helped introduce him to ice hockey when he was approximately three years old.
According to USA Hockey, Kelley took young Clayton to a local high school hockey game after a skating lesson.
Watching the players compete immediately captured his interest, inspiring him to pursue the sport.
Kelley subsequently supported his participation in youth hockey programs throughout the St. Louis area.
One of her most significant sacrifices occurred in 2014 when Clayton joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Rather than leave him to live with a host family, Kelley relocated to Michigan to help him adjust to the demanding training environment.
In a March 2015 interview with USA Hockey, Clayton explained that having his mother nearby made the experience more comfortable.
Kelley has remained closely involved in her son’s life throughout his NHL career.
When the Arizona Coyotes franchise relocated to Utah in 2024, she helped Clayton settle into his new home.
According to an April 2025 Utah Mammoth feature, Kelley supervised renovations at his Utah residence and helped care for his Bernedoodle, Lucky, during road trips.
Following Bryan’s death in November 2025, Kelley continued supporting Clayton and Jake through a difficult period for the family.
In February 2026, she traveled to Italy to support Clayton during his first Winter Olympics.
Clayton Keller’s Siblings
Clayton Keller has one publicly documented sibling, his younger brother Jake Keller.
Both brothers grew up playing hockey in Illinois and developed their skills through competitive youth programs.
Jake Keller – Clayton Keller’s Younger Brother
Jake Keller is Clayton Keller’s younger brother and a former junior ice hockey player.
He grew up in Swansea, Illinois, where he developed his passion for hockey while practicing alongside Clayton.
Jake played youth hockey in the St. Louis area before continuing his development in Minnesota.
He attended Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota, where he competed as a forward.
During the 2020–21 high school season, he recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in his first 18 games.
Jake also played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), appearing with the Minnesota Magicians during the 2019–20 season.
In 2021, the New Mexico Ice Wolves announced that Jake had signed a tender agreement to join their organization for the 2021–22 season.
The Ice Wolves officially identified him as the younger brother of NHL forward Clayton Keller.
Although Jake did not follow exactly the same professional path as Clayton, the brothers share a strong connection through their childhood hockey experiences.
Clayton and Jake Keller’s Relationship
Clayton and Jake developed a close relationship while growing up in a hockey-focused household.
According to a February 2026 Belleville News-Democrat family profile, the brothers spent countless hours practicing in the basement of their home.
The area featured hockey decorations, handmade boards, and targets representing professional NHL goaltenders.
Their shared enthusiasm helped both brothers improve their skating, puck handling, and shooting abilities.
The brothers have also supported one another through important family milestones.
When Clayton learned that he had been selected for the 2026 United States Olympic hockey team, Jake was among the first relatives he contacted.
Jake later traveled to Italy with their mother to support Clayton during the tournament.
Clayton Keller’s Grandparents
Clayton Keller’s maternal grandparents, Bill Simpson and Sherry Simpson, played important roles in his childhood.
His grandfather Bill was particularly influential, helping him attend practices and encouraging his development as a young hockey player.
Bill Simpson – Clayton Keller’s Maternal Grandfather
Bill Simpson was Clayton Keller’s maternal grandfather and one of the most important figures in his upbringing.
He previously worked as a systems director for McDonnell Douglas before retiring around the time Clayton was born.
According to a February 2022 PHNX Sports profile, Bill developed an exceptionally close relationship with his grandson.
Because Clayton’s parents were frequently occupied with professional responsibilities, Bill helped care for Clayton and Jake.
He regularly drove Clayton to hockey practices, sometimes traveling approximately 40 minutes each way.
Bill also attended games, encouraged his grandson, and helped him maintain confidence when facing challenges.
Clayton has frequently credited his grandfather with believing in his hockey potential from an early age.
Sadly, Bill passed away on January 1, 2015.
In October 2026, Keller participated in a Hockey Fights Cancer initiative honoring his grandfather’s memory and discussing his influence on the family.
Sherry Simpson – Clayton Keller’s Maternal Grandmother
Sherry Simpson is Clayton Keller’s maternal grandmother and the wife of the late Bill Simpson.
She has remained involved in her grandson’s life and continued supporting his hockey career.
In a February 2026 interview with the Belleville News-Democrat, Sherry discussed how proud she was of Clayton’s selection for the Winter Olympics.
Although she did not travel to Italy, she followed his performances and regularly communicated with him.
Her relationship with Clayton reflects the strong family connections that have remained important throughout his professional career.
How Clayton Keller’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Clayton Keller’s journey to the NHL began in Swansea, Illinois, where he grew up surrounded by family members who encouraged his athletic ambitions.
His father introduced him to professional NHL games, his mother helped him access competitive hockey programs, and his grandfather provided transportation and emotional support.
Keller played youth hockey with the St. Louis AAA Blues, where he competed alongside several future NHL players, including Matthew Tkachuk.
He later attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
His performances attracted significant attention from college and professional scouts.
In June 2016, the Arizona Coyotes selected Keller in the first round, seventh overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently attended Boston University for one season before beginning his professional career.
He made his NHL debut on March 27, 2017, against the St. Louis Blues, the same team he had followed as a child.
Over the following seasons, Keller developed into one of Arizona’s most productive offensive players.
After the franchise relocated to Utah in 2024, he became the organization’s first captain on October 4, 2024.
He recorded a career-high 90 points during the 2024–25 NHL season.
His leadership continued internationally when he captained the United States to a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, ending the country’s 92-year wait for a standalone men’s world championship gold medal.
In February 2026, Keller also helped the United States win Olympic gold at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Clayton Keller’s Family and the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics represented an especially emotional milestone for Clayton Keller.
His selection for Team USA came only weeks after the death of his father, Bryan.
In a January 2026 NHL.com interview, Keller explained that his father would have been extremely proud to see him represent the United States at the Olympics.
After receiving the news of his selection, Clayton immediately contacted his mother, brother, and grandmother.
All three expressed their excitement about the achievement.
His mother Kelley and younger brother Jake subsequently accompanied him to Italy, where they supported him throughout the Olympic tournament.
On February 22, 2026, Team USA defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold medal.
The achievement was particularly meaningful because Keller had grown up dreaming of representing his country at the highest international level.
He later reflected on how much his father and grandfather had contributed to making that dream possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Keller’s Family
Who is Clayton Keller’s girlfriend?
Clayton Keller has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. A February 2026 relationship profile described his romantic relationship status as unclear.
Is Clayton Keller married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Clayton Keller is married or has a wife.
Does Clayton Keller have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Clayton Keller.
Who are Clayton Keller’s parents?
His parents are Bryan Keller and Kelley Keller, who raised him and his younger brother in Swansea, Illinois.
Who was Clayton Keller’s father?
His father was Bryan Keller, a certified public accountant and businessman who played a major role in supporting his son’s hockey career.
When did Clayton Keller’s father die?
Bryan Keller passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2025, at the age of 64.
Who is Clayton Keller’s mother?
His mother is Kelley Keller, who introduced him to hockey when he was approximately three years old and later relocated to Michigan to support his development.
How many siblings does Clayton Keller have?
Clayton Keller has one publicly documented sibling, his younger brother Jake Keller.
Who is Clayton Keller’s brother?
His younger brother is Jake Keller, a former junior hockey player who competed for Wayzata High School, the Minnesota Magicians, and the New Mexico Ice Wolves organization.
Does Clayton Keller have a sister?
No sister has been publicly documented. His official family background identifies one younger brother, Jake.
Who was Clayton Keller’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather was Bill Simpson, who helped raise him and regularly drove him to youth hockey practices. Bill passed away in January 2015.
Who is Clayton Keller’s grandmother?
His maternal grandmother is Sherry Simpson, who has continued supporting his hockey career.
Did Clayton Keller’s family attend the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes. His mother Kelley and younger brother Jake traveled to Italy to support him during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he won a gold medal with Team USA.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
