With Islanders Failing To Fill Clutterbuck's Role, Does It Make Sense To Just Bring Him Back?

When the New York Islanders elected not to bring Cal Clutterbuck back this summer, it meant that the organization had faith that someone could take his role on the fourth line.

Through 20 games, four different players have failed to take advantage of that opportunity.

Oliver Wahlstrom has been given 16 games, 15 on the fourth line, to prove that he can become a serviceable bottom-six forward.

But the results have shown that the 24-year-old just isn't that kind of player.

Julien Gauthier got the short end of the stick, a one-game sample size where he struggled, and that was that for him this season.

Liam Foudy got two games but failed to show off his money-maker, that raw speed, leading to him being returned to Bridgeport.

Hudson Fasching has played five games but is struggling as well.

Is it a crazy idea for the Islanders to think about bringing Clutterbuck back?

I know what you are thinking. Clutterbuck is 37 and isn't the answer.

But hear me out.

Despite his age, Clutterbuck is arguably coming off one of the better seasons of his career. He played in all 82 games for the first time, with his 19 points the most he's had since the 2018-19 season (23).

His seven goals were the most since he scored eight in 2017-18 and 2018-19. His 12 assists were the most since his 15 in 2018-19.

Clutterbuck's 55 blocks were the most in his career, with his 273 hits the most since 2015-16, when he laid the body 288 times.

So, you may be asking yourself, why did Matt Martin get a professional tryout over Clutterbuck?

Let me rephrase the question.

Why would Clutterbuck sign a PTO after the year he had?

Martin struggled last season dealing with a multitude of injuries, so the likelihood that he would get a guaranteed contract was slim to none.

For Clutterbuck, after the year he had, why would he want to go to a training camp, whether on Long Island or elsewhere, and prove his worth when he just did?

Well, isn't trying out and making a team better than not playing?

Not if that means leaving your home and your family to go play across the country.

Clutterbuck is believed to be still training on his own, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he pulls a Zach Parise and joins a team at some point this season.

However, given the Islanders' inability to fill his role and their $9.03 million in cap space due to long-term injured reserve usage, they can fit Clutterbuck in at the league minimum ($775,000).

But what happens when the team gets healthy and has to be cap-compliant?

Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello will have to make tough decisions, but certain players who are not carrying their weight could be traded or placed on waivers.

Just because the Islanders sign Clutterbuck doesn't mean he's an automatic option every night, but that fourth line lacks the consistency that No. 15 brought for years, especially last season.

The idea might seem crazy, but unless Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is going to make a trade to fill a hole, Clutterbuck seems like one of the better options, no?

Take this poll so we can see what you think:

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