For those of you who still fear that one or both of Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin will return to significant roles for the Islanders in 2024-25, Lou Lamoriello’s interview with Arthur Staple and his “the door never closes on any player [that’s been here that long]” quote was likely a confirmation of your worst fears.
But truth be told, those two are probably in a status similar to Zach Parise last year, except that status is inverted as a team decision rather than the player decision: if we need you later on and you’re not seeing anyone else, maybe we make a deal.