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NHL's All Time Hits Leader Suddenly Announces his Retirement from the League

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 4:07 PM ET

Cal Clutterbuck has had a storied career in the NHL, and after becoming the NHL's all-time hit leader, he has announced his sudden retirement from the league.

Back in the 2006 NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild used the No. 72 overall draft pick on Cal Clutterbuck out of Ontario, and while he would leave for the New York Islanders, he'd go on to have a long and storied career at the NHL level.

The 37-year old forward would make history as well, as he is officially the NHL's all-time leader in hits, tallying an impressive 4,029 across 1,064 games in the past 18 years.

Now, he has shocked the NHL world, taking to social media to announce his sudden retirement, but at 37-years of age with such physical wear and tear on his body, it's been a long time coming.

"I'm retiring from the NHL. I really have no idea how to do this, so... that's it."

In those 1,064 games, Clutterbuck would tally 143 goals and 293 points, but that simply wasn't his game, as he remained a constant intimidating threat to his opponents throughout his. career, becoming a fan favourite in both Minnesota and New York.

Unfortunately, Clutterbuck was never able to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals in his career, but he had plenty of experience with post-season hockey, making his mark on the league like few others in NHL history have managed to do.

While things may not have been perfect at the end given his age and his lack of production, Clutterbuck knew his role from the moment he entered the league, and now, we wait to see what the future beyond the ice holds for Clutterbuck after an incredibly impressive career at the highest level.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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