Fansided

NY Islanders Plus/Minus for 2023-24: Cal Clutterbuck hopes to have health on his side

By Zoe Jurmann |
Philadelphia Flyers v New York Islanders
Philadelphia Flyers v New York Islanders / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
1 of 3
Next

Known as one of the most notable warriors in the NHL, Cal Clutterbuck looks to continue his injury-ridden career at 35 years old. Having season-ending shoulder surgery in 2021 and missing 33 games in 2022-23, Clutterbuck hopes to remain healthy and in the NY Islanders lineup during the 2023-24 season.

The right winger reached an NHL milestone during the 2022-23 season, surpassing Dustin Brown for the most hits in NHL history at 3,632. Clutterbuck had nine hits against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 21, etching his name into history and finishing the season with 3,756 for his career. He also has the potential to reach the coveted 1,000-game milestone during the 2023-24 season. Clutterbuck is currently sitting 18 games shy of joining the 382 players who have reached this milestone, including former teammate Josh Bailey.

Clutterbuck played 49 games last season, scoring six goals and six assists. While not known for his offensive prowess, "Clutter" has a lethal shot when he chooses to use it. If he can stay healthy and use his shot more often, Clutterbuck can potentially hit 300 career NHL points during the 2023-24 season.

With left wing Zach Parise's (39) status on the team unknown, Clutterbuck becomes the oldest active player on a roster laced with veterans. With only one year remaining on his contract, Clutterbuck's place in this Islanders lineup is up in the air.

Let's take a look at his 2023-34 Plus/Minus:

PLUS: Giving It His All

There's a reason that very few players reach 1,000 games played, and there's an even better reason that Clutterbuck is on pace to reach the milestone. Clutterbuck is never one to run away from a challenge on the ice.

What makes his talent so unique is Clutterbuck knows when to take a hit and when to throw one. Despite his past injuries, Clutterbuck has never let up on the hits he throws during a game. He understands that a team can't be successful without some physicality. Clutterbuck comprehends that for his linemates to get open ice, he needs to be the one to create it.

During the 2022-23 season, Clutterbuck also stepped up his defensive game, finishing at a +9 - the highest of his career and his first time finishing in the positives since 2019-20. Aside from even strength, Clutterbuck was a big part of the Isles' success on the penalty kill last season, something that wouldn't have been possible without Clutterbuck stepping up with his physicality and blocked shots.

MINUS: An Injury Ridden Career

It is no secret that Cal Clutterbuck has struggled immensely with staying healthy these past few years. The forward has not played a full season during his 16-year career and hasn't played more than 60 games since 2018-29.

The Islanders are a team looking to get younger and faster, with Simon Holmstrom, Julien Gauthier, Hudson Fasching, and Ross Johnston fighting for a roster spot - specifically Clutterbuck's roster spot. During the 2022-23 season, Clutterbuck averaged only 12:13 TOI per game. His overall TOI has been decreasing steadily as his injuries increase.

While his focus may not be on the future, it needs to be on remaining healthy and letting his body rest. Clutterbuck's missed games have not been of his own volition. The 2023-24 season needs to be the time when Clutterbuck makes the decision for himself on whether he is truly ready. For a team set to compete, Clutterbuck needs time to rest and adequately recuperate this season, something he's hardly had time to do. If it comes down to playing a healthy Johnston or a half-healthy Clutterbuck, it may be in his best interest to take the night off and allow his body to heal.

If Clutterbuck plays at 90% on a team that needs to be playing at 110% every time they step foot on the ice, we may see the 35-year-old receive the same treatment former longest-tenured Islander Josh Bailey received throughout the 2022-23 season from fans and coaching staff alike.

Next
Home / NY Islanders News