Garth Snow loves long-term extensions, but on Friday, the New York Islanders GM completed a deal which is indefensible. Snow signed forward Cal Clutterbuck to a five-year extension, worth, wait for it – $3.5 million per season.
#Isles Transaction: Cal Clutterbuck has agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension. Details: https://t.co/EFfTYBMNQA pic.twitter.com/AQx5kXrFtW
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 9, 2016
The insane per-season cost is hard to justify. The 29-year-old was a big part of “the best fourth line in hockey” featuring Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas. Clutterbuck does have value as a hard-hitting, modest scorer and veteran leader. But, Snow essentially outbid himself to retain a largely replaceable player.
A fourth-liner, even a good one, shouldn’t be earning more than $1.5 million per season. Ideally, you’d like to use skilled entry-level youngsters. The Islanders are paying Clutterbuck like he’s a top-six forward when in reality he’s a fourth-liner.
And, one that doesn’t particularly stand out.
Cal Clutterbuck #Islanders
$3.5M AAV breakdown
2017-18: $5M
2018-19: $4M
2019-20: $3.5M
2020-21: $2.5M
2021-22: $2.5M
* No Signing Bonuses pic.twitter.com/E9kWOLj3lu— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 9, 2016
In 25 games in 2016-17, Clutterbuck has two goals, seven assists and nine points. He’s currently tied with Jason Chimera, Dennis Seidenberg and a bunch of other players for seventh in Isles scoring. Close to 30, we know what kind of player Clutterbuck is and yet Garth Snow is paying him like he’s an irreplaceable core piece.
The contract isn’t just going to be bad in the future (even at $2.5 million in 2021-22), it’s immediately bad. Clutterbuck deserved, at best, a deal worth two seasons at roughly $1.5 million.
With John Tavares hitting free agency after next season, Snow is choosing a poor way to allocate funds. Clutterbuck might be a leader in the Isles dressing room, but his contract is a leader for worst in the NHL.
