Ottawa Senators’ Training Camp: Potential PTO Candidates to Bolster Their Roster
As the Ottawa Senators prepare to head into training camp, the team’s future looks promising, thanks to a talented young core led by captain Brady Tkachuk.1
The Senators boast rising stars like Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, and Drake Batherson, each of whom has showcased great potential in recent seasons. However, despite their impressive youth movement, Ottawa could benefit from adding experienced veteran players to help stabilize the roster and support their young talent.
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Tyler Ennis
Tyler Ennis is no stranger to the Ottawa Senators, having played for the team during the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 seasons. The 34-year-old forward has been a versatile player throughout his NHL career, bringing energy, experience, and scoring ability to whichever team he’s joined.
His familiarity with the Senators’ system and culture makes him a natural PTO candidate for a potential return.
Derick Brassard
Veteran forward Derick Brassard is another player the Senators might consider bringing back on a PTO. Like Ennis, Brassard has had previous stints with Ottawa, including a productive campaign during the 2022-2023 season, when he played 62 games and recorded 23 points before being sidelined by injury.
Brassard has long been known for his playmaking ability and leadership, making him an ideal candidate to add depth to Ottawa’s forward group.
Zach Aston-Reese
Zach Aston-Reese is a physical forward known for his defensive capabilities and tenacity. At 29 years old, he still has plenty of hockey left to offer and could fill a need for the Senators in their bottom-six forward group.
Aston-Reese has established himself as a reliable penalty killer and shutdown forward during his time with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Why the Senators Should Consider Adding Veteran Presence
While the Ottawa Senators’ young stars have a bright future ahead, having veteran players on the roster can play a crucial role in a team’s development and success. Veterans like Ennis, Brassard, or Aston-Reese bring valuable experience, leadership, and a steadying presence to the locker room.2
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Their ability to mentor younger players can help with both on-ice performance and navigating the mental aspects of an NHL season.
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Cal Clutterbuck: A Gritty Addition for the Ottawa Senators?
- As the Ottawa Senators gear up for a competitive season in the stacked Atlantic Division, adding some toughness and veteran presence to their roster could be crucial.
- One name that has emerged as a potential PTO (Professional Tryout) candidate is Cal Clutterbuck, a seasoned forward known for his grit, physicality, and leadership.
- Clutterbuck, who was a key member of the New York Islanders’ “Identity Line” alongside Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, finds himself in free agency after the Islanders decided to move on from the 36-year-old forward.
- Though primarily known as a bottom-six forward, Clutterbuck’s toughness and relentless style of play have defined his NHL career, and he may have plenty left to offer a team like the Senators.
Why Clutterbuck Could Be a Fit for Ottawa
The Ottawa Senators are building a talented young roster with players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Drake Batherson leading the charge. However, the team plays in the Atlantic Division, home to some of the most physical teams in the league, such as the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Adding a player like Clutterbuck could provide the Senators with a valuable edge in games where physicality is key to surviving and thriving against these tough opponents.
Leadership and Experience
At 36 years old, Clutterbuck brings a wealth of experience, having played over 900 NHL games across 15 seasons with the Minnesota Wild and New York Islanders.
His veteran presence would be beneficial in the locker room, where he could mentor Ottawa’s younger players and help them adjust to the grind of a full NHL season. Clutterbuck’s leadership qualities, combined with his willingness to sacrifice his body for the team, make him an excellent role model for Ottawa’s younger core.
Bottom-Six Depth and Penalty Killing
Ottawa’s bottom-six forward group could benefit from a player like Clutterbuck, who excels in a depth role. His ability to forecheck aggressively and disrupt the opposition’s flow makes him a constant presence in the defensive zone.
Additionally, Clutterbuck’s penalty-killing skills could help bolster the Senators’ special teams, providing coach D.J. Smith with a reliable option to shut down opposing power plays.
Pascal William Clutterbuck: The Gritty Winger’s Journey in the NHL and His Future Prospects
Pascal William Clutterbuck (born November 18, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played as an alternate captain for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Known for his intense physical play, leadership qualities, and consistency on the ice, Clutterbuck has established himself as one of the most respected and reliable bottom-six forwards in the league.
Cal Clutterbuck joined the #Isles for skate today. pic.twitter.com/QdPvuTY2TR
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 9, 2023
Early Years: The Start of Clutterbuck’s Hockey Journey
Born in Welland, Ontario, Pascal William Clutterbuck began his hockey journey like many Canadian players, participating in local leagues and quickly gaining attention for his gritty, hard-nosed style. Even in his youth, Clutterbuck exhibited a combination of toughness and skill that made him stand out from his peers.
His ability to hit hard, agitate opposing players, and remain defensively responsible became his signature, traits that would follow him throughout his professional career.
Minnesota Wild: Establishing Himself as an NHL Power Forward
After being drafted by the Minnesota Wild, Clutterbuck wasted no time in making his mark at the professional level. He spent a brief period in the American Hockey League (AHL) honing his skills before earning a regular spot in the Wild’s lineup during the 2008-2009 season.
It was during this time that Clutterbuck’s reputation as one of the league’s top hitters began to take shape. He quickly led the league in hits and set a then-NHL record with 356 hits in his first full season.
Trade to the New York Islanders: The Formation of the “Identity Line”
In 2013, Clutterbuck’s career took a new turn when he was traded to the New York Islanders in exchange for Nino Niederreiter.
The move proved to be a turning point for both Clutterbuck and the Islanders, as he joined forces with Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas to form one of the most effective fourth lines in recent NHL history—the so-called “Identity Line.”
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Playing Career of Cal Clutterbuck
Cal Clutterbuck’s journey into professional hockey began with his selection by the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. This marked the start of his junior hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he showcased his talent and physical playing style.
Transition to the NHL and Draft
After making his mark in junior hockey, Clutterbuck entered the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected in the third round, 72nd overall, by the Minnesota Wild.
The Wild saw potential in Clutterbuck’s unique combination of toughness, physical play, and ability to contribute offensively in a depth role. This selection marked a turning point in his career as he transitioned from junior hockey to the professional level.
NHL Debut with the Minnesota Wild
Clutterbuck made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild during the 2007–08 season. While he only appeared in two games that season, it was enough to give him a taste of the NHL and prepare him for what was to come.
He spent the majority of that season with the Houston Aeros, where he continued to develop his offensive skills and build a reputation for his high-energy, physical style of play.
Establishing Himself as a Physical Force
Over the next few seasons, Clutterbuck became known as one of the hardest hitters in the NHL. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in hits, earning a reputation as a player opponents dreaded facing. His physical style not only made him a fan favorite but also helped the Wild establish a more hard-nosed identity.
Cal Clutterbuck’s Contract Extension with the New York Islanders
On Friday, the New York Islanders and forward Cal Clutterbuck reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension, ensuring the veteran winger would remain with the organization through the 2022–23 NHL season.
The team officially announced the re-signing on their website, marking a significant commitment to a player who had become a cornerstone of the Islanders’ physical style of play.
Importance of the Extension
The Islanders’ decision to lock Clutterbuck into a long-term deal underscored how much the team valued his contributions. While Clutterbuck’s offensive production wasn’t the primary reason for the extension, his physicality, leadership, and ability to energize his teammates were critical elements that New York wanted to retain.
Over his years with the Islanders, Clutterbuck had become an essential part of their identity, known for playing a gritty, hard-nosed game that opponents found difficult to handle.
Financial and Cap Implications
The $3.5 million AAV tied to Clutterbuck’s new deal was a reflection of his value as a veteran forward with unique skills, even though he wasn’t a high-scoring player.
While some critics argued that the deal may have been too long or carried too high a salary for a player in Clutterbuck’s role, the Islanders saw it as a worthy investment in a player whose impact went beyond points and assists.
Clutterbuck’s Role Moving Forward
With the contract extension in place, Clutterbuck’s role with the Islanders was set for the foreseeable future. As a veteran forward, he was expected to continue providing the same level of intensity and physical play that had defined his career up until that point.
While it was uncertain how his performance might be affected by age and the wear-and-tear of his aggressive style, the Islanders clearly believed in his ability to contribute both on and off the ice.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Cal Clutterbuck?
Ans: Cal Clutterbuck is a veteran right-winger in the NHL, known for his physical playing style, shot-blocking abilities, and leadership on the ice. He has spent much of his career with the Minnesota Wild and the New York Islanders.
2. What is a PTO (Professional Tryout)?
Ans: A PTO (Professional Tryout) is a short-term contract allowing an NHL player to attend a team’s training camp and participate in preseason games without being guaranteed a full-season contract. It’s a chance for players to prove they still have value and earn a spot on the roster.
3. Why would the Ottawa Senators consider signing Cal Clutterbuck?
Ans: The Ottawa Senators might consider signing Clutterbuck to add experience, grit, and depth to their roster. His veteran presence could help mentor younger players, and his physicality would bolster the team’s fourth line, especially during a playoff push.
4. Has Clutterbuck faced any recent injuries that could affect his performance?
Ans: Clutterbuck has dealt with some injury issues in recent seasons, particularly with his back. However, if healthy, he could still provide value with his physical style of play and leadership, making a PTO a low-risk option for the Senators.
5. What are the chances Clutterbuck earns a full-season contract with the Senators?
Ans: If Clutterbuck performs well during training camp and the preseason, there’s a solid chance he could earn a full-season contract. The Senators would likely evaluate his fitness, durability, and contribution to the team’s overall needs before making a final decision.
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