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Clutterbuck says NY Islanders top pick Matthew Schaefer has future captain vibes

The NHL all-time hit king traded the ice for the putting green at the New York State Open Championship on Monday and shared his thoughts on his golf game and the Islanders
Heineken Suite Of The US Open Tennis Championships At The USTA National Tennis Center In New York On
Heineken Suite Of The US Open Tennis Championships At The USTA National Tennis Center In New York On | Craig Barritt/GettyImages

Former New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck is still a hit machine, but at a different venue.

No, we're not acting, though his intern schedule release performance was top-notch. And no, we're talking about his burgeoning career as an MSG Networks studio host and analyst. We're talking about him playing competitively with a golf club instead of a hockey stick. The NHL’s all-time hits leader took part in the New York State Open Championship this week at Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, N.Y., shooting a 12-over-par 82 on Day 1.

While Clutterbuck admits he’ll need to shave off about 10 strokes in Tuesday’s round to make the cut, he’s embracing the challenge with his trademark grit. “I’m just going to come out and let it fly,” Clutterbuck said to Brian Compton of NHL.com after narrowly missing an eagle on the 15th hole.

Now retired after a 16-season NHL career—10 of them with the Islanders—Clutterbuck has seamlessly transitioned into retirement. Known for his intensity on the “Identity Line,” Clutterbuck was a fan favorite for his physical play and leadership in the Isles’ deep playoff runs in 2020 and 2021.

Golf has long been a side passion for Clutterbuck, who picked up the sport in his teens and regularly tees it up with former teammates. He now hopes to earn invitations to elite amateur events, such as the American Century Celebrity Championship.

Clutterbuck also praised the Isles’ new direction under GM Mathieu Darche, particularly the addition of No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer. “He’s a mature kid who’s got future captain vibes,” said Clutterbuck. “I think he gives the team and the fan base sort of that pivot, that anchor, that they can sort of grow around. Good for them. In one day, they really managed to maintain what I think was a pretty good team and inject some youth into it. They look good right now.”

Clutterbuck's past was on the ice, his present is on the gold course and behind the camera and his future is on Long Island. He'll have a front row seat to watching the Islanders retool, and easy access to some of the best golf courses in the world doesn't hurt either.

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