Breaking News: Minnesota Wild Re-Signs Cal Clutterbuck

Per Mike Russo,

The Wild avoided restricted free agency this summer with heavy hitter Cal Clutterbuck by extending the winger's contract this morning. Clutterbuck signed a three-year, $4.2 million contract ($1.4 million cap hit).

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

Clutterbuck, 22 (11/18/87), set the NHL’s single-season hits mark in 2008-09 with 356, and again leads the NHL this season with 252 hits. Clutterbuck has recorded a career-high 12 goals in 54 games this season, while also tying his career-high with 18 points. The 5-foot-11, 213-pound native of Welland, Ont., has posted 36 points (23-13=36) and 110 penalty minutes in 134 games over two-plus seasons with the Wild. Clutterbuck was the Wild’s third-round pick (No. 72 overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Obviously myself, as well as every other Wild fan out there, loves this move.

Clutterbuck has been a breath of fresh air to this franchise since he arrived here and is one of the more loved members of the organization.

His gritty, physical play injects energy into the team every time he hits the ice and is beginning to find his offensive game as well.

The Wild have just three other RFA’s to lock up and, from what I have gathered, are currently in talks with leading goal scorer Guillaume Latendresse to extend his contract.