In a typical 21st century Islanders season — regardless if Garth Snow or Lou Lamoriello is at the helm — you get some contract extension announcements for players who are loyal soldiers but have also maybe seen too many battles.
But the 2024 NHL trade deadline was notable in that it did not include a headline like “Islanders extend Cal Clutterbuck.”
Could they finally be ready to allow the trio Formerly Known as The Best Fourth Line in Hockey to break away?
As a practical matter, it has already happened, since Matt Martin was an occasional scratch down the stretch, Kyle MacLean — now extended for three years — took on the role of fourth-line center, and Casey Cizikas was moved to the wing on scoring lines.
But are the Isles ready to take it another step by refraining from offering a contract to Clutterbuck (and Martin)? Or are they counting on one or both wanting to stay on the Island, so they’ll figure out the money and role if and when other more sought-after forwards are acquired?
If a parting is imminent, it’s ironic that it comes after the oft-injured Clutterbuck had his healthiest season in a decade at age 36: He played all 82 games for the first time in his career, yielding his best scoring season since 2018-19. He also kept up the physical play, taking over the all-time hits record and surpassing 1,000 career games.
In a vacuum, Clutterbuck at this point should not be a cap-breaker and could be a useful fourth-line/part-time player, particularly with his presence as a respected locker room conscience and “culture” guy. But the Islanders cannot improve without making upgrades where they can, and Clutterbuck’s UFA status provides one of the few opportunities to do that, with so much of the 2023-24 roster locked into expensive deals that would be costly to move.
Also: With so much cap clearing throughout the league, will the Islanders join in? J-G Pageau? Anders Lee? [THN]
NHL News
- The NHL announced some subtle but reasonable rule refinements. [NHL]
- The Canucks went dumping, the Blackhawks dumpster diving: Vancouver paid a 2027 second-round pick for Chicago to take Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty; the Canucks get a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the swap. [NHL]
- The Canucks also re-signed Teddy Blueger for two years. [NHL]
- Slow down there, Linus Ullmark is trying to get resettled in Ottawa, so no there have not been contract extension talks. [Sportsnet]
- On cleanout day, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl reflect on the disappointment and the highs after losing to the Cup champion yet again. [NHL]
- Now what for hockey in Arizona? With the land auction for a potential arena canceled, Alex Meruelo has terminated his right to revive the Coyotes. Gary Bettman put on a
farceface to praise Meruelo for doing the right thing. He walks away with a lot of dough. [Sportsnet] - Enjoy speculation on free agents Steven Stamkos and Jake Guentzel and trade candidates Mitch Marner and Martin Necas. [TSN]
- R.I.P. Sergei Berezin, who played seven NHL seasons and once scored 37 goals in a season for the Leafs. [NHL]
- The Ducks are bringing back the duckbill mask logo, but sticking with and going all in on orange. [Sportsnet]
- Pretend to be excited that the draft will take place at Sphere in Las Vegas, one of those places that future archaeologists will examine and say, “This, this is why this civilization ultimately failed despite gobs of resources.” [NHL]
