The New York Islanders will be without injured veteran forward Cal Clutterbuck for the rest of the season. Clutterbuck is a solid depth forward and leader on the Islanders, serving as an assistant captain on the team. It was announced early on Thursday that he will require surgery for a shoulder injury.
#Isles' Cal Clutterbuck shelved for season, Scott Mayfield likely joining him | @AGrossNewsday https://t.co/yw73YrCa26
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Cal Clutterbuck Out With Shoulder Injury
While not the most skilled player in the Islanders’ lineup, Clutterbuck is a very valuable piece for the team. He provides grit, toughness, and leadership for the team. He also brings years of playoff experience to the team. The veteran signed a contract extension earlier this week, signing for two more years at an annual cap hit of $1,750,000. This extension shows the value that Clutterbuck has in the organization, and his veteran presence will certainly be missed by the team during his absence.
So far this season Clutterbuck has 15 points in 69 games played, including six goals. He has also decreased his penalty minutes, with only 10 compared to a previous high of 103. Clutterbuck was an essential part of the Islanders’ playoff runs over the past few seasons, as he embodies the grit and defensive play that is key for the team. He also brings mental and physical toughness to the lineup, which clearly passes on to his teammates.
What This Means For the Islanders
Losing an injured Cal Clutterbuck for the season obviously isn’t ideal for the Islanders. The team has struggled this season, sitting sixth in the Metropolitan Division. With slim playoff hopes remaining, Clutterbuck’s impact will not be as missed as he provides some leadership to the team. That being said, the forward is still signed for two more years following this season. The Islanders hope that he will be fully healthy again for next season as they hope to return to the playoffs.
