New York Islanders Three Players They Need to Trade

Cal Clutterbuck

Why Cal Clutterbuck?

In 2015-16 Cal Clutterbuck was part of the “best fourth line in hockey”. Alongside Casey Cizkias and Matt Martin, the three were an effective shutdown group that hounded the opposition in their own end and added great depth production.

So halfway through the 2016-17 season, the New York Islanders rewarded Cal Clutterbuck with an incredible five-year $17.5 million deal. Clutterbuck is in year two of that five-year deal and it hasn’t gone so well.

Clutterbuck’s production has decreased year-over-year since that 2015-16 season where the Islanders fourth line combined for 71 points. Cal Clutterbuck isn’t the same player he used to be.

With a $3.5 million AAV for the next four seasons and with a number of equally productive and less expensive fourth liners on the team, trading Cal is a good idea.

Possibility Level – Low

Again, he has a $3.5 million AAV over the next four season. Yes, he still has some qualities, but there are few teams that will take on what Cal brings for four years. Very few NHL team’s pay the type of money Clutterbuck is getting for a bottom of the roster player. For good reason.

The return on investment for high paid bottom six forward is minor. Not to mention that a bottom six forward is generally replaceable.

But even at the trade deadline, when playoff-bound teams are looking for a depth forward it’s hard to see them calling up Lou for Cal when they have to commit four years to Clutterbuck.

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All three players made the list because they are expendable for various reasons. Andrew Ladd’s little production and massive contract, Brock Nelson’s inconsistent play, and Cal Clutterbucks big contract and replaceability make them all worthy of a trade out. Hoepfully, Lou can move a few.