This piece will be another in my series of player profiles, where I’ll give some thoughts on the performance of a member of the New York Islanders this season. This article will focus on Cal Clutterbuck.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see a ton from Clutterbuck this year due to injuries so it’s hard to make a fair assessment of his year as a whole. He still managed to finish second among Islanders forwards in hits despite playing just 37 games, however, this was far from his best season. Clutterbuck had the lowest points per game average of his career and while his job isn’t to score, it was certainly a bonus that he could chip in here or there. His corsi for percentage was horrible as well, sitting at just 41.1 per cent.

As for his line, like I said in my profile of Casey Cizikas yesterday, even when the “identity line” was together, it didn’t work as well as it had in previous years. If Matt Martin is gone next year, I think the Islanders need to replace him someone who has some grit and try to keep the fourth line as a checking/energy line, otherwise Clutterbuck’s role could become a bit less clear. Casey Cizikas has the ability to produce if he’s playing with skilled wingers but if the fit isn’t right in terms of the winger replacing Martin, Clutterbuck could end up weighing down the line next year.

It’s hard to judge Clutterbuck in a season filled with injuries but in terms of what we did see, he wasn’t at his best. With two years still remaining on his deal, hopefully next season Clutterbuck will be healthy and as a result, can return to form.


Check back tomorrow for a player profile on Michael Dal Colle.


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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM MARCH

Reviewing the season (so far): Casey Cizikas

Reviewing the season (so far): Derick Brassard

Reviewing the season (so far): Johnny Boychuk

Reviewing the season (so far): Anthony Beauvillier

Reviewing the season (so far): Mathew Barzal

Reviewing the season (so far): Josh Bailey

The good and the bad of the Islanders’ season (so far)

Islanders need answers

Islanders have a favourable schedule to end the regular season

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