Cal Clutterbuck

Clutterbuck was born on November 18, 1987, in Welland, Ontario,{{cite web |title=Cal Clutterbuck Stats and News |url=https://www.nhl.com/player/cal-clutterbuck-8473504 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=January 6, 2022}} to Tim and Jocelyne Clutterbuck.{{cite news |last=Benner |first=Allan |title=A drink from the Cup would be a great gift for dad |url=https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/news/niagara-region/2015/06/19/a-drink-from-the-cup-would-be-a-great-gift-for-dad.html |work=Niagara Falls Review |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=January 6, 2022}} He was around the same age as many other future National Hockey League (NHL) players from the Welland area, and is remembered in his hometown as one of the "Welland Five", a group that also consists of Matt Ellis, Daniel Paille, Dan Girardi, and Paul Bissonnette.{{cite news |last=Morrison |first=Holly |title=There's something special about hockey in Welland |url=https://www.brockpress.com/theres-something-special-about-hockey-in-welland/ |work=The Brock Press |date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=January 6, 2022}} Bissonnette remembered Clutterbuck as a "dominant scorer" in Welland youth hockey who only became more physical and focused on checking his opponents when he was older.{{cite news |last=Bissonnette |first=Paul |title=How community values helped players reach NHL |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/04/19/paul-bissonnette-stanley-cup-playoffs-pride-welland-clutterbuck-girardi/83229280/ |work=USA Today |date=April 19, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2022}} Clutterbuck played a variety of sports, including baseball, golf, and volleyball, but began focusing solely on hockey when he was around the age of 16.{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Kevin |title=Before I Made It: Cal Clutterbuck |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/before-i-made-it-cal-clutterbuck |work=The Hockey News |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=January 6, 2022}} While attending Notre Dame College School, Clutterbuck also played junior ice hockey for the Welland Cougars of the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League.{{cite news |title=Wild about Cal |url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-welland-tribune/20120103/282548720128910 |work=Welland Tribune |date=January 3, 2012 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |via=PressReader}}

The Toronto St. Michael's Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) drafted Clutterbuck in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection.{{cite web |title=2003 Priority Selection |url=https://ontariohockeyleague.com/draft/2003 |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=January 6, 2022}} He joined the team for the 2003–04 OHL season, scoring his first goal of the year on November 23 in a 5–2 defeat of the Sudbury Wolves.{{cite news |title=Shantz preserves IceDogs' tie with penalty-shot save in OT |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91976425/ |work=The Sault Star |agency=The Canadian Press |page=A12 |date=November 24, 2003 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}

He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild 72nd overall in the third round of the 2006 NHL entry draft.

Following the conclusion of the 2006–07 season, Clutterbuck signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wild on May 31, 2007.{{cite web |last1=Andresen |first1=Glen |title=Wild Signs Cal Clutterbuck To Entry Level Contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-signs-cal-clutterbuck-to-entry-level-contract/c-485343 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=May 31, 2007}} Prior to the start of the 2007–08 season, Clutterbuck participated in the 2007 NHL Centre I.C.E. Prospects Tournament.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Wild To Participate In Prospects Tournament |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-to-participate-in-prospects-tournament/c-485387 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=August 28, 2007}} He finished the tournament with two goals and two assists for four points as the Wild prospects fell to the Atlanta Thrashers prospects in the third place game.{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Eric |title=Wild Prospects Iced In Third Place Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-prospects-iced-in-third-place-game/c-485398 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=September 12, 2007}} Upon the conclusion of the tournament, Clutterbuck was cut from the Wild's development camp and reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Houston Aeros, to start the 2007–08 season.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Irmen Among 15 Sent To Houston |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/irmen-among-15-sent-to-houston/c-485404 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=September 19, 2007}} As the youngest player on the team, Clutterbuck scored his first professional goal on his first professional shot in his first professional game in the team's home opener against the Chicago Wolves on October 6.{{cite web |last1=Ferraro |first1=Andrew J. |title=Aeros rookie taking on a new role |url=https://theahl.com/aeros-rookie-taking-on-a-new-role |publisher=American Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 22, 2007}}

Clutterbuck quickly accumulated two goals and an assist to tie for fourth in team scoring before being recalled to the NHL level on October 23.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Wild Makes First Call To Houston |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-makes-first-call-to-houston/c-485423 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 23, 2007}} He subsequently made his NHL debut on October 28 against the Colorado Avalanche.{{cite web |last1=Lomon |first1=Chris |title=Clutterbuck Comes Into His Own |url=https://ontariohockeyleague.com/clutterbuck-comes-into-his-own/ |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 18, 2010}} He played one more game with the Wild before being reassigned to the Houston Aeros on November 1.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Pouliot Recalled; Clutterbuck, Schaefer Reassigned |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/pouliot-recalled-clutterbuck-schaefer-reassigned/c-485431 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 1, 2007}} By the end of February, Clutterbuck had accumulated 18 points in 50 games with the Aeros.{{cite web |last1=Kramer |first1=Lindsay |title=Boumedienne getting the point |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/boumedienne-getting-the-point/c-370725 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=February 28, 2008}} Clutterbuck finished the season with the Aeros, tallying 11 goals and 13 assists through 73 games along with 97 penalty minutes.{{cite web |last1=Compton |first1=Brian |title=Wild have high hopes for kids |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/wild-have-high-hopes-for-kids/c-380649 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=August 12, 2008}}

File:Cal Clutterbuck.JPG in March 2009.|180px]]

Prior to the start of the 2008–09 season, Clutterbuck again participated in the NHL's Prospects Tournament, where he again tallied two goals and two assists for four points.{{cite web |title=Wild Prospects finish third in Traverse City |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-prospects-finish-third-in-traverse-city/c-485576 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=September 17, 2008}} Although he was again reassigned to the Aeros to start the 2008–09 season, Clutterbuck was called up to the NHL level on October 15 after Marek Zidlicky was placed on Injured Reserve.{{cite web |title=Wild recalls Cal Clutterbuck |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/wild-recalls-cal-clutterbuck/c-485648 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 15, 2008}} Upon rejoining the Wild at the NHL level, Clutterbuck averaged 10:05 of ice time per game while also leading the Northwest Division with 51 hits.{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Adam |title=Northwest lead on the line in Minnesota |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/northwest-lead-on-the-line-in-minnesota/c-393442 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 20, 2008}} On November 24, 2008, Clutterbuck scored his first two NHL goals against José Théodore of the Washington Capitals to lead them to a 4–3 win.{{cite web |title=Wild get two goals from Clutterbuck in 4-3 win over Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/wild-get-two-goals-from-clutterbuck-in-4-3-win-over-capitals/c-394283 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 24, 2008}} After also recording four hits during the game, Clutterbuck continued to lead the team and all rookies across the league with 64 hits.{{cite web |last1=Wigge |first1=Larry |title=Clutterbuck can send for his things |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/clutterbuck-can-send-for-his-things/c-394829 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 28, 2008}} However, after going scoreless in the following two games, Clutterbuck was a healthy scratch twice in a row. Wild coach Jacques Lemaire later stated that this was meant to send a message to Clutterbuck and motivate him.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Roger |title=Northwest Notes: Glimpse of the Future |url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/northwest-notes-glimpse-of-the-future/c-453195 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=December 5, 2008}} He continued to struggle to score goals and went goalless for nearly a month before breaking the drought on December 23 against the Carolina Hurricanes.{{cite web |title=Stephane Veilleux's shorthanded goal leads Wild over Hurricanes 3-2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/stephane-veilleuxs-shorthanded-goal-leads-wild-over-hurricanes-3-2/c-399874 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=December 23, 2008}} After setting a new career-high with nine hits in the Wild's 3–0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on February 4, he continued to lead the NHL in hits with 180 through 45 games.{{cite web |last1=Wigge |first1=Larry |title=A different kind of hat trick is important in hockey |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/a-different-kind-of-hat-trick-is-important-in-hockey/c-407924 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=February 6, 2009}} The following month, Clutterbuck recorded an assist and set a new franchise record with 10 hits in their overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on March 10.{{cite web |title=The R.S.S. Feed: March 10, 2009 |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/the-r-s-s-feed-march-10-2009/c-485862 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=March 10, 2009}} By the end of the month, Clutterbuck had set a new league record with 327 hits through 72 games while also tallying eight goals and 13 points. The previous record was 311, set by Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings.{{cite web |last1=Morreale |first1=Mike G. |title=Clutterbuck's physical play comes naturally |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/clutterbucks-physical-play-comes-naturally/c-415876 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=March 29, 2009}} He subsequently finished the season with 18 points and an NHL record of 356 hits.{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Carly |title=Cal Clutterbuck: 'Ready to get the ball rolling' |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/cal-clutterbuck-ready-to-get-the-ball-rolling/c-486394 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=August 12, 2009}}

Following his rookie season with the Wild, Clutterbuck worked to remain a mainstay in their lineup by spending the offseason running sprints, lifting weights, and working on his agility. Although he made the Wild's opening night roster for the 2009–10 season, he only played four games with the team before being placed on injured reserve.{{cite web |title=Wild place F Clutterbuck on IR |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/wild-place-f-clutterbuck-on-ir/c-502037 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 13, 2009}} He subsequently missed five games before returning to the Wild's lineup on October 24 and scoring the game-winning goal in their game against the Hurricanes.{{cite web |title=Cal Clutterbuck gets overtime winner; Minnesota Wild defeat Carolina 3-2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/cal-clutterbuck-gets-overtime-winner-minnesota-wild-defeat-carolina-3-2/c-503434 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 25, 2009}} He continued to score and tallied four goals over his next 10 games.{{cite web |last1=McGourty |first1=John |title=Wild's Clutterbuck defines hockey toughness |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/wilds-clutterbuck-defines-hockey-toughness/c-506569 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 19, 2009}} On February 14, Clutterbuck scored his career-high 12th goal and recorded his first assist in 21 games.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Post Game Notes vs. Vancouver |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/post-game-notes-vs-vancouver/c-517690 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=February 14, 2010}} Later that month, Clutterbuck became the first Wild player to sign an extension during the 2009–2010 season as he signed a three-year extension on February 25.{{cite web |last1=Andersen |first1=Glen |title=Clutterbuck Signs Three-Year Extension |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/clutterbuck-signs-three-year-extension/c-518903 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=February 25, 2010}} Despite missing one game due to a lower-body injury,{{cite web |title=Franzen has two goals, Zetterberg adds three points as Red Wings beat Wild 5-1 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/franzen-has-two-goals-zetterberg-adds-three-points-as-red-wings-beat-wild-5-1/c-521095 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=March 11, 2010}} he surpassed his previous seasons' point total by also setting new career-highs in assists on March 21.{{cite web |title=Post Game Notes vs. Calgary |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/post-game-notes-vs-calgary/c-522183 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=March 21, 2010}} Clutterbuck finished his second full season in the NHL with a career-high 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points through 74 games.

In his third full season with the Wild, Clutterbuck set new career-highs with 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points. Through his first four games of the 2010–11 season, Clutterbuck played on the second line with Martin Havlat and Matt Cullen while averaging a career-high 15:33 of ice time.{{cite web |last1=Cubeta |first1=Matt |title=Fantasy Five: The start of normality |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/fantasy-five-the-start-of-normality/c-541046 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=October 19, 2010}} Although he led the team with seven goals through November, he tallied his first assist of the season on November 26.{{cite web |title=Post Game Notes vs. NSH (Nov. 26) |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/post-game-notes-vs-nsh-nov-26/c-544622 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=November 26, 2010}} The following month, he recorded his first two-point game since February 14, 2010.{{cite web |title=Post Game Notes vs. Calgary (Dec. 20) |url=https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/post-game-notes-vs-calgary-dec-20/c-546934 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 3, 2023 |date=December 20, 2010}}

File:CalClutterbuckNYI.jpg

On June 30, 2013, during the 2013 NHL entry draft, Clutterbuck, a restricted free agent, was traded from the Wild to the Islanders along with a third-round draft pick in exchange for forward Nino Niederreiter.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675822|title=New York Islanders send Niederreiter to Wild for Clutterbuck|work=National Hockey League |date=June 30, 2013|access-date=June 30, 2013}} During the 2014–15 season, Clutterbuck was named as an alternate captain for the team after Kyle Okposo was sidelined with an eye injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-cal-clutterbuck-designated-as-alternate-captain-1.9877233|work=Newsday|date=January 28, 2015|last=Staple|first=Arthur|access-date=February 15, 2015|title=Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck designated as alternate captain}}

On April 25, 2015, Clutterbuck scored what would later become the last goal in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum history (until the Islanders announced a part-time return to the Coliseum starting with the 2018–19 season) into an empty net with 0:53 remaining in the third period as the Islanders won Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Capitals, 3–1, to extend the series to a seventh game. The Islanders would eventually lose Game 7 to the Capitals two nights later.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

The following season, Clutterbuck's line, consisting of Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin and himself, was considered to be the best fourth line in the NHL by some analysts.{{cite web | url = http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-sign-nhl-hits-leader-matt-martin-four-years/ | title = Maple Leafs sign NHL hits leader Matt Martin for four years | publisher = Sportsnet | date = July 1, 2016 | accessdate = August 21, 2016}} He signed a five-year contract with the Islanders on December 9, 2016.{{cite web |title=Cal Clutterbuck, Islanders agree to 5-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/islanders-cal-clutterbuck-agrees-to-5-year-deal/c-284543468 |website=NHL.com |access-date=August 10, 2018 |date=December 9, 2016}}

In the 2021–22 season, while in the final season of his five-year contract, and with the Islanders out of playoff contention, Clutterbuck opted to re-sign to a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension with the team on March 21, 2022 at the NHL trade deadline.{{cite web |title=Islanders Sign Clutterbuck |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-sign-clutterbuck/c-332092050 |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 22, 2022 |date=March 21, 2022}} Having appeared in 59 regular season games, totalling six goals and 15 points, Clutterbuck was announced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on March 24, 2022.{{cite web| url = https://www.amny.com/sports/islanders-cal-clutterbuck-scott-mayfield/ | title = Islanders injury news | publisher = amny.com | date = March 24, 2022 | accessdate = March 24, 2022}}

On November 22, 2023, Clutterbuck played his 1,000th NHL game as the Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3–2.{{cite web |last1=Rosner |first1=Stefen |title=Islanders Cal Clutterbuck on 1,000 Game Milestone, Teammates Share First Impressions |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/cal-clutterbuck-new-york-islanders-fasching-cizikas-lee-nelson-mayfield-lambert |website=The Hockey News |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=November 21, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Rosner |first1=Stefen |title=Islanders end Flyers' winning streak at 5 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-new-york-islanders-game-recap-november-22 |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 24, 2023 |date=November 22, 2023}}

After going unsigned through the 2024–25 season, Clutterbuck announced his retirement on April 23, 2025. He finished his career with 1,064 games played between the Wild and Islanders, and retired as the league's all-time hits leader.{{Cite web |title=Clutterbuck announces retirement, played 16 NHL seasons |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/cal-clutterbuck-announces-retirement-after-16-nhl-seasons |access-date=April 23, 2025 |website=NHL.com |date=April 23, 2025}}

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• {{Ice hockey stats}}

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Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen

Category:Bridgeport Sound Tigers players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Canadian ice hockey right wingers

Category:Houston Aeros (1994–2013) players

Category:Ice hockey people from Welland

Category:Minnesota Wild draft picks

Category:Minnesota Wild players

Category:New York Islanders players

Category:Oshawa Generals players

Category:Toronto St. Michael's Majors players