The winger played 11 seasons with the Islanders including 10 as an alternate captain and reigns as the NHL’s leader in hits
Cal Clutterbuck made a significant impact in the NHL and officially announced his retirement on Wednesday after playing 1,064 games and delivering 4,029 hits, including 11 seasons with the New York Islanders.
Drafted in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft (72nd overall) by the Minnesota Wild, Clutterbuck spent six seasons with the team before being traded to the Islanders in 2013. The Welland, ON native finished his career with 293 points (143 goals, 150 assists) over his 1,000-plus games, achieving that milestone on November 25, 2023, while with the Islanders.
Upon arriving in New York, Clutterbuck quickly became a fan favorite with his distinctive playing style. He played a crucial role on the Islanders’ ‘Identity Line’ alongside Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, a trio that garnered love from Islanders fans and commanded respect from opponents throughout the league. Together, they formed a powerful line for nearly a decade, showcasing a rare longevity in the NHL, characterized by prideful and straightforward, physical hockey.
Thank you Clutterbuck, for everything.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 23, 2025
Clutterbuck stands as the NHL’s all-time leader in hits with 4,029, having surpassed the 4,000 mark during the 2023-24 season, making him the only player to reach this milestone since the statistic began being recorded in the 2005-06 season.
In addition to leading the league in hits, Clutterbuck served as a key leader for the Islanders both on and off the ice, holding the position of alternate captain for ten seasons and guiding the team through six playoff appearances. He was also the go-to DJ in the locker room and widely regarded as the best golfer among his teammates. Renowned for his witty banter, he was known throughout the league for his clever jabs at opponents.
Clutterbuck played with intense competitiveness and grit, fully aware of the fierce rivalry between the Islanders and Rangers. In 42 career games against the Rangers, he scored six goals and accumulated 14 points, including a game-winning goal with just 1:28 left in a 6-4 victory during the 2015-16 season. He made a notable return to Madison Square Garden in January, leading the Isles alumni team with a hat trick in a charity game.
In the 2023-24 season, Clutterbuck played all 82 games for the first time in his career and received the Bob Nystrom Award, an honor determined by Islanders fans for the player who most embodies leadership, hustle, and dedication. Throughout his 17-year career, he faced various injuries but consistently maintained his tough, hard-hitting playing style and focused mindset. Clutterbuck was also the team’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy for the 2023-24 season, which marked his last year in the NHL.
After the 2023-24 season, Clutterbuck ventured into a new role as an analyst with MSG Networks for Islanders broadcasts, unexpectedly discovering a passion for the media side of the sport during his post-playing career.
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