Add one more to the Islanders walking wounded.
Winger Cal Clutterbuck left early in the second period and did not return during the Islanders’ 2-1 shootout win over the Devils in Newark on Thursday night. The team announced only that he would not return to the game, and when coach Barry Trotz was asked afterward if there were any update on Clutterbuck’s status, he gave it the full non-disclosure favored by team president Lou Lamoriello.
“No,” Trotz said. “None.”
Clutterbuck had gotten into a net-front battle with Mirco Mueller late in the first period, as Mueller knocked him to the ice and then repeatedly cross-checked him in the head area. He did take two full shifts to start the second period, then took a five-second turn and did not return.
Defenseman Thomas Hickey seems relatively close to being able to return for the first time since suffering a concussion on Dec. 17 in Denver. He skated again on Thursday morning, and said he feels like he’s getting closer.
Rookie Devon Toews has stepped into his spot with aplomb, so it’s going to be a difficult lineup decision for Trotz when Hickey is finally activated.
“A guy like Thomas has been a big part of our group before he got injured. We relied heavily on him,” Trotz said. “With that being said, when you do get hurt, there is opportunity for somebody else to step in. What I have seen from that group is that everyone has recognized there is some depth on our blue line.”
Winger Michael Dal Colle moved up into the top six and played a prominent role on a line with Mathew Barzal and Josh Bailey. The No. 5-overall pick from 2014 replaced Anthony Beauvillier in that spot. Dal Colle knew this latest call-up from AHL Bridgeport was as good an opportunity he would have to prove he belongs in the NHL full time.
“It’s huge. And for me, it’s a contract year,” said Dal Colle, 22, set to be a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. “I’m a third-year pro. So once I got recalled, I knew it was going to be an opportunity, just trying to make the most of it. I’m just happy to be in the lineup and prove I can play at this level. It’s daily, and every day is a challenge for me.”
Andrew Ladd skated Thursday morning as he tries to come back from a lower-body injury that has kept him out since Nov. 13.
“It’s just nice to be integrated back into the group,” Ladd said. “If you’re out for that long, it’s tough not to be around the guys and you’re never really at the rink the same time. It’s been fun to do that.”