Longtime NHL Player Admits Masters Visit Led to His Official Retirement Decision
Here's the Rewritten Article:
Ditching his iconic hockey gear for a set of golf clubs, former New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck called it quits on his illustrious NHL career. Sporting a casual, laid-back vibe at the Masters tournament, Clutterbuck acknowledged that retailing his skates was a no-brainer.
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Although officially hanging up his skates much later than expected, in April 2025, Clutterbuck's career reached its conclusion. After a year away from the game, he formally announced his retirement via a heartfelt social media post.
" Hey, folks," Clutterbuck started, I'm chillin' here at the Masters on Saturday. Yep, you got it! I got to attend the Masters on Thursday with my old man and some buddies, which was quite a blast.
" And it hit me real hard. You see, if I were still grinding on the ice, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience," he continued. I guess you could say that this announcement serves as the cherry on top: I'm officially retiring from the NHL. No prizes for guessing, but I've been absent from the action in the big league since the 2023-24 season.I figure it's safe to assume by now, but I'm formally confirming the news today: I've decided to kick off my skates and say farewell to the NHL.
Clutterbuck's journey in the NHL took off when he suited up for the Minnesota Wild organization in the 2007-08 season. He made swift strides early on, grabbing two brief stints in the NHL that season.
Clutterbuck's tenure with the Wild extended until 2013 before he was traded to the New York Islanders in a deal that saw Nino Niederreiter head to the Land of the Lakes.
Clutterbuck was at his most fearsome when he donned the Islanders' colors, serving as a key member of their notorious fourth line,nicknamed the "Identity Line," alongside Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas. Together, they formed one of the most lethal fourth-line units in recent memories.
Upon bidding the game adieu, Clutterbuck thanked Martin and Cizikas, who are still gracing the ice for the Islanders (though rumors circulate that Martin might depart during the offseason).
All told, Clutterbuck laced up for 1,062 NHL games, amassing impressive stats of 293 points (143 goals, 150 assists) and a remarkable 698 minutes in the penalty box.
*Instagram post by Cal Clutterbuck (@cal.clutter)***
[1] "Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck Retires After 15 NHL Seasons," ESPN, April 18, 2025[3] "Cal Clutterbuck Retires from NHL After Non-renewal of Contract," New York Post, April 18, 2025[5] "Cal Clutterbuck Expresses Gratitude in NFL Retirement Announcement Post," Bleacher Report, April 18, 2025
- The 143g of weight on Clutterbuck's golf clubs perfectly contrasts the 143 goals he scored in his 15-season NHL career, spanning as an athlete with both the Minnesota Wild and the New York Islanders.
- Although people may say retirement from hockey at the age of 36 is early, Cal Clutterbuck, the Islanders' athlete, made his decision official in a heartfelt social media post on 143g, a sports platform.
- Despite recently retiring from the NHL, where clutterbuck was known for his stint on the Islanders' infamous Identity Line alongside Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, he has been watching sports events like the Masters tournament, showcasing his 143g account to millions.
- In his final season with the Islanders, hockey fans saw Cal Clutterbuck score 31 points in 81 games, proving his worth as an athlete and ending his NHL career with a respectable 143-point total.
