Cal Clutterbuck, known as the NHL's all-time leader in hits, has officially announced his retirement after a remarkable 17-season career. Over his tenure, he played more than 1,100 games, racking up a staggering 4,029 hits, a record since the league began tracking this statistic in 2005. Clutterbuck's impact was profoundly felt during his decade-long tenure with the New York Islanders, where he became an integral part of the team’s fourth line alongside longtime linemates Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas.

In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Clutterbuck expressed his gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans, sharing how hockey granted him purpose, camaraderie, and countless memories. His absence this season followed the non-renewal of his contract, and his announcement coincided with the departure of the Islanders' general manager Lou Lamoriello. Having started his NHL journey with the Minnesota Wild, Clutterbuck became a fan favorite on Long Island, helping the Islanders secure seven playoff appearances.

The New York Islanders are at a pivotal juncture as they consider roster adjustments for the upcoming season. Veteran forward Matt Martin is contemplating his future, with indications that his time with the Islanders may be ending. Despite this uncertainty, insiders believe Martin could remain involved in the organization post-retirement. Other key free agents like Kyle Palmieri are also under scrutiny, especially as the team aims to revamp with younger talent. General Manager Lou Lamoriello is expected to be aggressive in pursuing changes, particularly after trading Brock Nelson. The Isles must bolster their scoring depth beyond Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, possibly resulting in further roster shakeups.

Ryan O'Reilly, a seasoned NHL center for the Nashville Predators, remains one of the few players in the league who chooses to play without a visor. Despite repeated requests from family and warnings from past injuries in the league, O'Reilly's habit of playing unprotected continues, marking a stark contrast to the league's safety regulations which mandate visors for all players with fewer than 25 games of experience since the 2013-14 season. This decision is not uncommon among veteran players like Jamie Benn and Matt Martin, who also forgo facial protection.

The risks associated with this choice are significant, as highlighted by past incidents such as Bryan Berard's devastating eye injury. However, for these players, the allure of maintaining an 'old-school' image and the comfort of their established playing style outweighs the potential dangers. They embrace their decisions as part of hockey's culture, a testament to their toughness and resilience on the ice.

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe has been suspended for eight games due to boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The decision follows an in-person hearing, allowing for a more severe penalty.

This suspension comes after the Rangers' disappointing performance, marking their fourth consecutive home loss. Rempe, who has struggled to find his footing this season, was recently recalled from the AHL and has yet to score in five games.