John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Recently-Retired Cal Clutterbuck Exposes the Truth About John Tavares Leaving Long Island

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 28, 2025 3:09 PM ET

John Tavares leaving Long Island was one of the biggest NHL stories in history, and now Cal Clutterbuck has lifted the lid on how things went down behind the scenes.

Seven years ago, John Tavares made the shock decision to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency, turning his back on the New York Islanders, the team he was captaining at the time.

It was one of the biggest free agency decisions in NHL history, and still to this day there is plenty of resentment in Long Island for Tavares, and now, veteran forward Cal Clutterbuck has opened up on the behind the scenes of that move.

However, Clutterbuck offered a much different view on this situation than the fans, as he noted the team immediately understood why Tavares did what he did, and the players moved on, unlike the fans that expressed their frustration for so long over what they perceived to be a betrayal.

"For us, we moved on right away. We all understood. A little disappointed for sure, but things have a way of working out. It might have worked out better for us in the long run."

This definitely wasn't the sentiment among the fanbase, who still hold hard feelings towards Tavares even now in 2025, but for the team, they were disappointed as a group, but understood why Tavares wanted to play in his home of Toronto.

Ultimately, things haven't worked out perfectly for Tavares in Toronto, as the team never once made the Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure, and now with the No. 1 overall pick, the Islanders are likely to look forward and not back anymore.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: