OHL graduate Cal Clutterbuck announces NHL retirement

Long-time New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck is officially hanging up his skates after a successful 17-season NHL career, announcing his retirement on Wednesday via Instagram.

A native of Welland, Ont., Clutterbuck did not play during the 2024-25 season. He spent his final 11 seasons with the Islanders.

“Hockey gave me everything — a purpose, a brotherhood, and a lifetime of memories,” Clutterbuck wrote on social media. “To Matt [Martin] and Casey [Cizikas] — it was an honour 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.”

The 37-year-old was originally selected 72nd overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild out of the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals. He made his NHL debut on October 28, 2007. At the 2013 NHL Draft, Clutterbuck and a third-round pick were traded to the Islanders in exchange for Nino Niederreiter. He went on to appear in his 1,000th career game on November 22, 2023.

Clutterbuck finishes his NHL career with 143 goals and 150 assists in 1,064 games played.

Internationally, he represented Canada at various youth levels and was a member of the national team at the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia.

Originally selected by the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in the first round (13th overall) of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection, Clutterbuck played four seasons in the OHL between Toronto and Oshawa, recording 202 points (93 goals, 109 assists) in 256 regular season games.

The Ontario Hockey League congratulates Cal on a remarkable career and wishes him the very best in his next chapter!

Congratulations on your career, Cal. 💙

After 1,064 NHL games, Cal Clutterbuck has decided to hang up the skates. pic.twitter.com/tPHESWnDN6

— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2025