Cal Clutterbuck didn’t play in the NHL this season, and the popular former Islanders winger has officially announced his retirement.
Clutterbuck, the league’s all-time hits leader and a longtime member of the Isles’ “Identity Line” alongside Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin, appeared in 718 of his 1,064 NHL games over 11 seasons with the Islanders from 2013-14.
“After 17 years, it’s time to hang up the skates,” Clutterbuck said on Instagram. “I’m beyond grateful for every teammate, coach, fan, and moment along the way. Hockey gave me everything — a purpose, a brotherhood, and a lifetime of memories.
“To Matt and Casey — it was an honor to go to war with you night in and night out. What we built together means more than words can say. And to the Islanders faithful — your passion, loyalty, and love made Long Island home. Thank you all. On to the next chapter. #ThankYouHockey”
The 37-year-old Clutterbuck had hoped to continue his career this past season after his contract with the Islanders expired last year, but he did not sign elsewhere while serving part-time as an analyst for MSG Network.
Clutterbuck, who had played the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Wild before a trade to the Isles in 2013, finished his career with a record 4,029 hits, which became an official statistic in 2007.
He also totaled 143 goals and 293 points, plus 12 more goals in 81 postseason appearances, including back-to-back runs with the Islanders to the Eastern Conference finals in 2020 and 2021.
