The New York Islanders have signed forward Cal Clutterbuck to a five-year, $17.5 million contract extension. Is this a good deal for the Islanders?
The 2016-17 season has not gotten off to the start that the New York Islanders would have liked. After reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, the Islanders currently find themselves in last place in the Metropolitan Divison.
This offseason, the Islanders made a lot of changes to their core. General manager Garth Snow decided to let Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, and Matt Martin all walk in free agency. The new additions of Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera haven’t played up to their potential, for the most part, this season. However, both are starting to play better in the Islanders’ recent hot streak.
On Friday, the Islanders announced that they have signed alternate captain Cal Clutterbuck to a five-year, $17.5 million deal. The lengthy deal for the fourth-liner has caused quite a stir among Islanders and hockey fans.
While Clutterbuck does bring a lot of the intangibles to the table, he also has never totaled more than 25 points in a season with the Islanders.
Let’s see what fans had to say on Twitter about the signing.
Is the five-year, $17.5 million deal for Cal Clutterbuck a good one? #Isles
— Empire Writes Back (@EmpireWritesBck) December 9, 2016
Cal clutterbuck got 5x3.5 hahahahaha
— ryan (@gophers92) December 9, 2016
I'm a huge Cal Clutterbuck fan. I love what he brings.
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) December 9, 2016
Not sure I'd bet on him for years to come.
#isles signing Cal Clutterbuck to a 5 year deal is a great signing. He's more than a 4th line player. Gives isles edge, skill and PKer.
— Scotty D (@ScottyPecs) December 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/GregBoysen/status/807269025877204993
Imagine overpaying Andrew Ladd, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck over Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. #Grit #Heart #Soul
— Josh McCarron (@_Swagelin) December 9, 2016
Santa Claus was better to Cal Clutterbuck than I would have been. Another overpay for a 3rd/4th liner
— Pucks N Ponies (@poniesNpucks) December 9, 2016
Cal Clutterbuck isn't even a $3.5M player right now, but Garth Snow just bet on him magically becoming one in his age 30-34 seasons.
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 9, 2016
Some people like the move, some people don't like move, but can't deny what Clutterbuck brings to the team night in and night out #Isles
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 9, 2016
It is certainly a mixed reaction to the signing of Clutterbuck. Due to the Islanders losing players like Okposo and Nielsen, that appears to have understandably bothered people. While Clutterbuck isn’t a scorer like them, he does provide the Islanders with some important things on the ice.
Next: Recent Hot Streak Has Sparked Hope
The price tag is a bit steep, but few players on the Islanders bring it every night like Clutterbuck does. He might not be worth what he will be paid, but he has been an important part of the 4th line that has been regarded as one of the best in hockey the past few seasons.