Cool, thanks for all the inputs everyone.
So if I can summarize succinctly, undersized with vision and some mobility, but not quite good enough vision to overcome said lack of physical size; therefore, bottom three.
What kind of player does he need to be beside to excel? Pronger?
I think his vision is fine, average or maybe slightly above?
I think his stick is too long. He's my height (pretend 5'9, actually 5'7) but his stick is actually taller than me off skates. That makes it REALLY hard to control the puck, especially in tight. So a lot of times he does lose the puck trying to keep it in along the boards. And I think it limits what he can do offensively.
Contrast that with say PM Bouchard, who's maybe an inch taller than I am IRL, and his stick is pretty average length, about an inch above my nose off skates. That's about 5-6" difference length.
I also think it's part of what limits Clutterbuck in terms of carrying the puck and making plays. To some extent. I don't think Clutter is ever going to be a real playmaker or anything.
But that's just my theory...
He should be paired with a physical defenseman who can clear the crease. Suter with Spurgeon started the year but Suter is not a physical guy and they left way too many players all alone in front.
I would say Gilbert would be a good pairing although that gives you two right hand shots...he's done well with Scandella but that kid is so up and down and Spurgeon is much more steady and can play more minutes. Maybe Suter and Gilbert on one pair and then Brodin and Spurgeon on another? I'd hate to saddle Spurgeon with Stoner, he'd get killed with Stoner's suicide passes. Maybe Prosser, who was physical last game? But again, two right hand shots...
Yes, Pronger would be ideal