In a typical 21st century Islanders season, whether under Garth Snow or Lou Lamoriello, contract extensions are announced for players who, while loyal soldiers, may have seen too many battles.
But the 2024 NHL trade deadline was notable for not bringing headlines like “Islanders sign Cal Clutterbuck to contract extension.”
Are they finally ready to let go of the trio once known as the best fourth line in hockey?
In fact, that has already happened, with Matt Martin being taken off at times down the stretch, Kyle McLean (now on a three-year contract extension) assuming the fourth-line centre role and Casey Cizikas moving to the wing on the scoring line.
But are the Isles prepared to go a step further by holding off on offering Clutterbuck (and Martin) contracts, or will they decide on money and roles once other, more sought-after forwards are acquired, in the hope that one or both will want to stay on the Isles?
If a farewell is imminent, ironically, it comes after the injury-prone Clutterbuck had his healthiest season in a decade at age 36. He played all 82 games for the first time in his career, had his highest scoring season since 2018-19 and continued to play physically, breaking the career hit record and playing more than 1,000 games.
Viewed in a vacuum, Clutterbuck wouldn’t be a cap breaker at this point and could be a useful fourth-line/part-time player, especially given his presence as a respected locker room conscience and “culture” guy, but the Islanders can’t improve without upgrading where they can, and Clutterbuck’s UFA status provides one of the few opportunities to do so with much of their 2023-24 roster locked down under expensive contracts and expensive to move.
Also: There's been a surge in cap clearance across the league, will the Islanders get involved? JG Paget? Anders Lee? [THN]
NHL News
- The NHL has announced some subtle but sensible rule refinements. [NHL]
- The Canucks went dumpster diving, the Blackhawks went dumpster diving: Vancouver paid Chicago a 2027 second-round pick to acquire Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty, and the Canucks received a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the swap. [NHL]
- The Canucks also re-signed Teddy Blueger to a two-year contract. [NHL]
- Stay calm. Linus Ullmark is looking to resettle in Ottawa, so there are no contract extension talks happening. [Sportsnet]
- On cleanup day, Connor McDavid and Leon Draiseitel reflect on the disappointment and joy following yet another loss to the Cup champions. [NHL]
- What's next for hockey in Arizona? With the auction for the proposed arena site halted, Alex Merullo has waived his rights to revive the Coyotes. Gary Bettman
farceThey met to congratulate Meruelo for doing the right thing, and he walked away with a lot of money. [Sportsnet] - Enjoy some speculation on free agents Steven Stamkos and Jake Guenzel, as well as trade candidates Mitch Marner and Martin Necas. [TSN]
- May Sergey Berezin rest in peace. He played seven seasons in the NHL and even scored 37 goals in one season with the Leafs. [NHL]
- The Ducks are bringing back their duckbill mask logo, but with a more prominent orange color. [Sportsnet]
- Pretend you're excited that the draft is taking place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, one of those places that future archaeologists will investigate and say, “This is why this civilization eventually perished despite tons of resources.” [NHL]
