Lou Lamoriello set to ditch pair of Islanders veterans

It was another early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the New York Islanders, who made a monumental change during the 2023-24 regular season with the termination of 2nd year head coach Lane Lambert and naming Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy his replacement. 

And now, general manager Lou Lamoriello appears poised to make more changes to his team. According to The New York Post, Lamoriello indicated that he will "likely" be parting ways with veterans Cal Clutterbuck (718) and Matt Martin, both of whom have played over a combined 1,500 games with the franchise. 

We'll probably be moving on," Lamoriello explained regarding the futures of Clutterbuck and Martin. "That isn't saying things can't change. We're talking about two veterans, two quality individuals. Two team leaders and two real good hockey players, so we'll have to see how things come about. But we haven't changed our thought process today any different than the last time we spoke." 

Martin has one year remaining on his current contract with the Islanders, while Clutterbuck is now a free-agent waiting for a new deal. Injuries limited Martin to only 57 games in 2023-24, scoring four goals with four assists along with 43 PIM. Meanwhile, Clutterbuck appeared in all 82 regular season games and managed 19 points, his highest offensive output since 2018-19.

The regular season also saw Clutterbuck, who was drafted by the Minnesota Wild, appear in his 1,000th career regular season game. Martin is 45 games away from reaching the same milestone, though it appears as though he'll have to attempt to do so wearing a different sweater. 

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