Cal Clutterbuck

Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Ice hockey player
Cal Clutterbuck
Clutterbuck with the New York Islanders in 2018
Born (1987-11-18) November 18, 1987 (age 36)
Welland, Ontario, Canada
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 New York Islanders
Minnesota Wild
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 72nd overall, 2006
Minnesota Wild
Playing career 2007–present

Pascal William Clutterbuck (born November 18, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Clutterbuck was drafted 72nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Early life

Clutterbuck was born on November 18, 1987, in Welland, Ontario,[1] to Tim and Jocelyne Clutterbuck.[2] He was around the same age as many other future National Hockey League (NHL) players from the Welland area, and is remembered in his hometown as one of the "Welland Five", a group that also consists of Matt Ellis, Daniel Paille, Dan Girardi, and Paul Bissonnette.[3] Bissonnette remembered Clutterbuck as a "dominant scorer" in Welland youth hockey who only became more physical and focused on checking his opponents when he was older.[4] Clutterbuck played a variety of sports, including baseball, golf, and volleyball, but began focusing solely on hockey when he was around the age of 16.[5] While attending Notre Dame College School, Clutterbuck also played junior ice hockey for the Welland Cougars of the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League.[6]

Playing career

Junior

The Toronto St. Michael's Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) drafted Clutterbuck in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection.[7] He joined the team for the 2003–04 OHL season, scoring his first goal of the year on November 23 in a 5–2 defeat of the Sudbury Wolves.[8]

He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild 72nd overall in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional

Minnesota Wild

Following the conclusion of the 2006–07 season, Clutterbuck signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wild on May 31, 2007.[9] Prior to the start of the 2007–08 season, Clutterbuck participated in the 2007 NHL Centre I.C.E. Prospects Tournament.[10] He finished the tournament with two goals and two assists for four points as the Wild prospects fell to the Atlanta Thrashers prospects in the third place game.[11] Upon the conclusion of the tournament, Clutterbuck was cut from the Wild's development camp and reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Houston Aeros, to start the 2007–08 season.[12] As the youngest player on the team, Clutterbuck scored his first professional goal on his first professional shot in his first professional game in the team's home opener against the Chicago Wolves on October 6.[13] Clutterbuck quickly accumulated two goals and an assist to tie for fourth in team scoring before being recalled to the NHL level on October 23.[14] He subsequently made his NHL debut on October 28 against the Colorado Avalanche.[15] He played one more game with the Wild before being reassigned to the Houston Aeros on November 1.[16] By the end of February, Clutterbuck had accumulated 18 points in 50 games with the Aeros.[17] Clutterbuck finished the season with the Aeros, tallying 11 goals and 13 assists through 73 games along with 97 penalty minutes.[18]

Clutterbuck with the Wild in March 2009.

Prior to the start of the 2008–09 season, Clutterbuck again participated in the NHL's Prospects Tournament, where he again tallied two goals and two assists for four points.[19] Although he was again reassigned to the Aeros to start the 2008–09 season, Clutterbuck was called up to the NHL level on October 15 after Marek Zidlicky was placed on Injured Reserve.[20] Upon rejoining the Wild at the NHL level, Clutterbuck averaged 10:05 of ice time per game while also leading the Northwest Division with 51 hits.[21] On November 24, 2008, Clutterbuck scored his first two NHL goals against José Théodore of the Washington Capitals to lead them to a 4–3 win.[22] After also recording four hits during the game, Clutterbuck continued to lead the team and all rookies across the league with 64 hits.[23] However, after going scoreless in the following two games, Clutterbuck was a healthy scratch twice in a row. Wild coach Jacques Lemaire later stated that this was meant to send a message to Clutterbuck and motivate him.[24] He continued to struggle to score goals and went goalless for nearly a month before breaking the drought on December 23 against the Carolina Hurricanes.[25] After setting a new career-high with nine hits in the Wild's 3–0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on February 4, he continued to lead the NHL in hits with 180 through 45 games.[26] The following month, Clutterbuck recorded an assist and set a new franchise record with 10 hits in their overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on March 10.[27] By the end of the month, Clutterbuck had set a new league record with 327 hits through 72 games while also tallying eight goals and 13 points. The previous record was 311, set by Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings.[28] He subsequently finished the season with 18 points and an NHL record of 356 hits.[29]

Following his rookie season with the Wild, Clutterbuck worked to remain a mainstay in their lineup by spending the offseason running sprints, lifting weights, and working on his agility.[29] Although he made the Wild's opening night roster for the 2009–10 season, he only played four games with the team before being placed on injured reserve.[30] He subsequently missed five games before returning to the Wild's lineup on October 24 and scoring the game-winning goal in their game against the Hurricanes.[31] He continued to score and tallied four goals over his next 10 games.[32] On February 14, Clutterbuck scored his career-high 12th goal and recorded his first assist in 21 games.[33] Later that month, Clutterbuck became the first Wild player to sign an extension during the 2009–2010 season as he signed a three-year extension on February 25.[34] Despite missing one game due to a lower-body injury,[35] he surpassed his previous seasons' point total by also setting new career-highs in assists on March 21.[36] Clutterbuck finished his second full season in the NHL with a career-high 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points through 74 games.[1]

In his third full season with the Wild, Clutterbuck set new career-highs with 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points.[1] Through his first four games of the 2010–11 season, Clutterbuck played on the second line with Martin Havlat and Matt Cullen while averaging a career-high 15:33 of ice time.[37] Although he led the team with seven goals through November, he tallied his first assist of the season on November 26.[38] The following month, he recorded his first two-point game since February 14, 2010.[39]

New York Islanders

Clutterbuck with the Islanders in March 2015

On June 30, 2013, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Clutterbuck, as a restricted free agent, was traded from the Wild to the Islanders along with a third-round draft pick in exchange for forward Nino Niederreiter.[40] During the 2014–15 season, Clutterbuck was named as an alternate captain for the team after Kyle Okposo was sidelined with an eye injury.[41]

On April 25, 2015, Clutterbuck scored, what would later become the last goal in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum history (until the Islanders announced a part-time return to the Coliseum starting with the 2018–19 season) into an empty net with 0:53 remaining in the third period as the Islanders won Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Capitals, 3–1, to extend the series to a seventh game. The Islanders would eventually lose Game 7 to the Capitals two nights later.[citation needed]

The following season, Clutterbuck's line, consisting of himself, Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin was considered to be the best fourth line in the NHL by some analysts.[42] He signed a five-year contract with the Islanders on December 9, 2016.[43]

In the 2021–22 season, while in the final season of his five-year contract, with the Islanders out of playoff contention, Clutterbuck at NHL trade deadline opted to re-sign to a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension with the team on March 21, 2022.[44] Having appeared in 59 regular season games, totalling six goals and 15 points, Clutterbuck was announced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on March 24, 2022.[45]

On November 22, 2023, Clutterbuck played his 1,000th NHL game as the Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3–2.[46][47]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2001–02 Welland Cougars GHL 6 2 1 3 0 — — — — —
2002–03 Welland Cougars GHL 48 24 29 53 26 — — — — —
2003–04 Toronto St. Michael's Majors OHL 60 4 7 11 112 18 3 5 8 20
2004–05 Toronto St. Michael's Majors OHL 38 10 6 16 55 — — — — —
2004–05 Oshawa Generals OHL 27 9 9 18 42 — — — — —
2005–06 Oshawa Generals OHL 66 35 33 68 139 — — — — —
2006–07 Oshawa Generals OHL 65 35 54 89 153 9 8 5 13 21
2007–08 Houston Aeros AHL 73 11 13 24 97 5 0 0 0 14
2007–08 Minnesota Wild NHL 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2008–09 Houston Aeros AHL 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2008–09 Minnesota Wild NHL 78 11 7 18 76 — — — — —
2009–10 Minnesota Wild NHL 74 13 8 21 52 — — — — —
2010–11 Minnesota Wild NHL 76 19 15 34 79 — — — — —
2011–12 Minnesota Wild NHL 74 15 12 27 103 — — — — —
2012–13 Minnesota Wild NHL 42 4 6 10 27 5 1 1 2 4
2013–14 New York Islanders NHL 73 12 7 19 40 — — — — —
2014–15 New York Islanders NHL 76 7 9 16 60 7 2 1 3 26
2015–16 New York Islanders NHL 77 15 8 23 22 11 2 1 3 12
2016–17 New York Islanders NHL 66 5 15 20 28 — — — — —
2017–18 New York Islanders NHL 76 8 10 18 53 — — — — —
2018–19 New York Islanders NHL 73 8 15 23 44 7 0 0 0 4
2019–20 New York Islanders NHL 37 3 4 7 22 21 2 2 4 18
2019–20 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 2 0 0 0 4 — — — — —
2020–21 New York Islanders NHL 50 4 7 11 10 19 4 3 7 10
2021–22 New York Islanders NHL 59 6 9 15 10 — — — — —
2022–23 New York Islanders NHL 49 6 6 12 30 6 1 0 1 16
NHL totals 982 136 138 274 666 76 12 8 20 90

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2004 Canada Ontario U17 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 3 0 3 4
2004 Canada U18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 5 2 0 2 20
2005 Canada WJC18 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 1 1 2 8
2011 Canada WC 5th 7 0 1 1 4
Junior totals 17 6 1 7 32
Senior totals 7 0 1 1 4

References

  1. ^ a b c "Cal Clutterbuck Stats and News". National Hockey League. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  2. ^ Benner, Allan (June 19, 2015). "A drink from the Cup would be a great gift for dad". Niagara Falls Review. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  3. ^ Morrison, Holly (November 12, 2019). "There's something special about hockey in Welland". The Brock Press. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  4. ^ Bissonnette, Paul (April 19, 2016). "How community values helped players reach NHL". USA Today. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  5. ^ Kennedy, Kevin (December 7, 2013). "Before I Made It: Cal Clutterbuck". The Hockey News. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  6. ^ "Wild about Cal". Welland Tribune. January 3, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2022 – via PressReader.
  7. ^ "2003 Priority Selection". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  8. ^ "Shantz preserves IceDogs' tie with penalty-shot save in OT". The Sault Star. The Canadian Press. November 24, 2003. p. A12. Retrieved January 6, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  9. ^ Andresen, Glen (May 31, 2007). "Wild Signs Cal Clutterbuck To Entry Level Contract". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  10. ^ Andersen, Glen (August 28, 2007). "Wild To Participate In Prospects Tournament". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  11. ^ Walsh, Eric (September 12, 2007). "Wild Prospects Iced In Third Place Game". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  12. ^ Andersen, Glen (September 19, 2007). "Irmen Among 15 Sent To Houston". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  13. ^ Ferraro, Andrew J. (October 22, 2007). "Aeros rookie taking on a new role". American Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  14. ^ Andersen, Glen (October 23, 2007). "Wild Makes First Call To Houston". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  15. ^ Lomon, Chris (November 18, 2010). "Clutterbuck Comes Into His Own". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  16. ^ Andersen, Glen (November 1, 2007). "Pouliot Recalled; Clutterbuck, Schaefer Reassigned". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  17. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (February 28, 2008). "Boumedienne getting the point". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  18. ^ Compton, Brian (August 12, 2008). "Wild have high hopes for kids". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  19. ^ "Wild Prospects finish third in Traverse City". September 17, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  20. ^ "Wild recalls Cal Clutterbuck". National Hockey League. October 15, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  21. ^ Schwartz, Adam (November 20, 2008). "Northwest lead on the line in Minnesota". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  22. ^ "Wild get two goals from Clutterbuck in 4-3 win over Capitals". National Hockey League. November 24, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  23. ^ Wigge, Larry (November 28, 2008). "Clutterbuck can send for his things". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  24. ^ Phillips, Roger (December 5, 2008). "Northwest Notes: Glimpse of the Future". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  25. ^ "Stephane Veilleux's shorthanded goal leads Wild over Hurricanes 3-2". National Hockey League. December 23, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  26. ^ Wigge, Larry (February 6, 2009). "A different kind of hat trick is important in hockey". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "The R.S.S. Feed: March 10, 2009". National Hockey League. March 10, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  28. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (March 29, 2009). "Clutterbuck's physical play comes naturally". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Peters, Carly (August 12, 2009). "Cal Clutterbuck: 'Ready to get the ball rolling'". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  30. ^ "Wild place F Clutterbuck on IR". National Hockey League. October 13, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  31. ^ "Cal Clutterbuck gets overtime winner; Minnesota Wild defeat Carolina 3-2". National Hockey League. October 25, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  32. ^ McGourty, John (November 19, 2009). "Wild's Clutterbuck defines hockey toughness". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  33. ^ Andersen, Glen (February 14, 2010). "Post Game Notes vs. Vancouver". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  34. ^ Andersen, Glen (February 25, 2010). "Clutterbuck Signs Three-Year Extension". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  35. ^ "Franzen has two goals, Zetterberg adds three points as Red Wings beat Wild 5-1". National Hockey League. March 11, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  36. ^ "Post Game Notes vs. Calgary". National Hockey League. March 21, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  37. ^ Cubeta, Matt (October 19, 2010). "Fantasy Five: The start of normality". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  38. ^ "Post Game Notes vs. NSH (Nov. 26)". National Hockey League. November 26, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  39. ^ "Post Game Notes vs. Calgary (Dec. 20)". National Hockey League. December 20, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  40. ^ "New York Islanders send Niederreiter to Wild for Clutterbuck". National Hockey League. June 30, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  41. ^ Staple, Arthur (January 28, 2015). "Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck designated as alternate captain". Newsday. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  42. ^ "Maple Leafs sign NHL hits leader Matt Martin for four years". Sportsnet. July 1, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  43. ^ "Cal Clutterbuck, Islanders agree to 5-year contract". NHL.com. December 9, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  44. ^ "Islanders Sign Clutterbuck". NHL.com. March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  45. ^ "Islanders injury news". amny.com. March 24, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  46. ^ Rosner, Stefen (November 21, 2023). "Islanders Cal Clutterbuck on 1,000 Game Milestone, Teammates Share First Impressions". The Hockey News. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  47. ^ Rosner, Stefen (November 22, 2023). "Islanders end Flyers' winning streak at 5". NHL.com. Retrieved November 24, 2023.

External links

  • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database