Cal Clutterbuck Signs Extension with Minnesota Wild: Keeping the Clutter

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Minnesota Wild announced on Thursday that Cal Clutterbuck has agreed to a three-year contract extension.

The 22-year-old native of Welland, Ontario set an NHL single season hit record last season with 356 and leads the league this season with 252 hits.

Clutterbuck has a career-high 12 goals in 54 games this season with Minnesota and has tied a career high of 18 points this year.

"Cal is an intense competitor who has quickly become a fan favorite with the Wild," said Wild GM Chuck Fletcher. "We look forward to watching his development for years to come."

Clutterbuck was originally selected by Minnesota in the third round, 72nd overall, in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

Prior to joining the Wild, Clutterbuck spent three seasons with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League.

Clutterbuck recorded some impressive offensive numbers with the Generals, tallying 35 goals in two seasons (2005-2007) and recording a career high 89 points in the 2006-2007 season.

He spent most of his 2007 season with Houston, where he recorded 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 73 games. In 2008, Clutterbuck spent only two games with the Aeros before being called up and has never returned since.

His physical gameplay and his excellent puck pursuit make him a valuable player in the Wild locker room. He recorded the team's hardest shot in the Skills Competition held earlier this year.

He definitely has the potential to turn into an offensive player if he continues to grow as he did this year from last.

Clutterbuck may be the diamond in the rough if he breaks out his offensive skills and will be valuable come playoff time where his physical presence is never missed and always feared on the other side of the puck.