Minnesota Wild 2012 Season Grades: Cal Clutterbuck

There are few players in hockey that can rile up a fan base faster than Cal Clutterbuck. Opposing fans hate him, Wild fans love him. GMs and coaches wish he played on their team. Throw all the jokes you want about padded hit stats at the X, but the guy gets nearly as many on the road as he does at home, so it doesn't quite fit the narrative anymore.

When Clutterbuck is on the ice, opposing players know it, and their game changes. While fans of those teams may not like it, the league has yet to find reason to suspend him, and you know if he did something wrong, they would in a heart beat. He'll hit your guy hard, he'll hit them clean, and he will put them on their backside faster than you can say his name.

Love him or hate him, he does his job. How well did he do it this season? Make the jump to find out.

Nathan - 27 points was ok, but was probably only about 2/3 of the expectation level set for him. He was out of control too much and when the team fell apart, he lost it. I was sorely disappointed in Clutterbuck this season.

Grade: C-

Bryan - This is going to get me in trouble a bit, and may get me called a homer, but I have zero issues with the game Clutterbuck played this year. Opposing fans and players flat out don't like the guy. He is in their heads, and yet plays a clean game. He showed some strong frustration as the season wore on, but I liked that. One of the guys on and off the ice that may care too much. The refs are watching him closely, and calling things they never used to, so he may need to adapt his game, but he is still a great option of the third line.

Grade: B-

Grade: D+

Grade: C