New York Islanders Expectations For Cal Clutterbuck

The New York Islanders revamped their already talented fourth line. Here’s what Islander fans can expect from Cal Clutterbuck this year.

The New York Islanders are coming into the season with a new piece on the fourth line. With Matt Martin gone the Islanders brought in Jason Chimera, who is more offensive minded that Martin, to go along with Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas. We previewed Jason Chimera and Casey Cizikas‘ season already now we take a look at Clutterbuck.

Cal Clutterbuck had a solid year putting up 15 goals, his highest goal total as an Islander. With Matt Martin gone someone on the fourth line is going to have to keep up the physical play on that line, this is where Clutterbuck comes in.

Previously to Martin bursting on the scene as the perennial hit leader, Cal Clutterbuck held that title. So he has experience playing a more physical game. In the 2014-15 season Clutterbuck finished behind Martin with 343 hits. Last year he only had 288, which was a pretty significant drop off.

I expect Clutterbuck to have around 300 hits on the year this season. He doesn’t have to lead the league, I just think it’ll take a mixture of both Cizikas and Clutterbuck to make up for Martin’s physical play. Although that doesn’t mean he won’t do anything offensively.

Cal Clutterbuck is heading into a contract year. We saw Matt Martin’s goal and point total increase last year on a contract year, I expect something similar from Clutterbuck this year.

With a more offensive orientated line with the addition of Chimera I expect Clutterbuck to be between 15-18 goals on the season. I doubt his scoring will decline, because his wrist shot is just too good for that to happen.

So expect to see this a decent amount next year with always an electric cele. Couldn’t resist sharing a Clutterbuck cele video especially since it had Sturgill Simpson playing behind it h/t to Bucci on that one.

It’s also too much of a stretch for me to expect Clutterbuck to put up 20 goals on the year. Crazier things have happened but I think that’d be asking too much and the Islanders aren’t really relying on Clutterbuck to be a 20 goal scorer.

He’s good on the penalty kill which makes him more valuable to the team than Martin, that’s why Cizikas got his extension and that’s why Cal is here.

Next: Building A New Booth

Ultimately, I think Clutterbuck thrives with the new addition of Jason Chimera. His point and goal total should increase from last year and he will be a major part of the penalty kill unit that was so good last year. If he does in fact have a good year the Islanders should definitely think about re-signing him.