Star Tribune: Has more on why Clutterbuck was available.
Star Tribune also had this:
As you saw in today's story, it is looking increasingly likely that Clutterbuck will be traded this weekend. He has value, he is a restricted free agent and the Wild's cap space is limited. The Wild is looking for a second and prospect, but perhaps the price can go up if there's a bidding war for Clutterbuck.
I do hear that GM Chuck Fletcher would prefer to trade Clutterbuck to the East. As I reported the other day, Fletcher had lunch Thursday with Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis. Boston may make sense, too. In the West, as I reported last week, I hear Edmonton has shown significant interest. But I'd be lying if I said I know all the teams involved.
NYIFC Comments:
Flat out hate this move, you don't trade a player with Niederreiter's ability (they wanted so badly at 5th) for a mid-level grinder, who will be an UFA soon. Niederreiter had an excellent season with Bridgeport, who the club wanted to develop.
Clutterbuck's the player Trevor Gillies stomped for his final suspension, he's not a player who can play in a top six, he likely will be gone at the point Niederreiter becomes a top six forward. Does he have some value in his role? Obviously, however one players ceiling is a top six young scorer at a very young age that the Islanders saw the value in.
Would like to thank, Nino Niederreiter, and wish him the best of luck with the Minnesota Wild.