Ex-Islander Cal Clutterbuck announces retirement after 17 seasons: Hockey gave me everything

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....