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About Last Season: Jay McClement Performance Review and Grade

The veteran defensive forward was a steady in the lineup and a mainstay on the penalty kill, but does his performance warrant a new contract?

By Andrew Ahr
Jamie Kellner

Jay McClement: 2016-17 By the Numbers

  • Age: 34
  • NHL Seasons: 13
  • Games Played: 65
  • Scoring: 5 g, 3 a, 8 Points
  • Ice Time per Game: 11:22 in all situations, 09:25 ES, 00:06 PP, 01:51 PK
  • 5-on-5 Stats: 45.4% CF, 36.1% GF
  • Contract Status: Becomes Unrestricted free agent on July 1st

About Last Season

Jamie Kellner

Canes Country’s player-by-player review and grades for the 2016-17 season.

Making the Grade

Jay McClement was a mainstay in the Hurricanes’ lineup for the third straight season, playing nearly 70 games. For the second year in a row, McClement didn’t bury his first goal until December 8, almost 2 months after opening night. But what else should we expect from our fourth line center?

McClement came into this year in a contract year as he neared his 34th birthday. His performance in his big year went almost exactly as predicted: little to no offensive threat, weak possession numbers, but a mainstay on a Hurricanes penalty kill that boasted a best-in-the-league performance for a good chunk of the season, playing nearly 2:00 a game on the man disadvantage.

McClement has carved out a 13-year living in the NHL, and it hasn’t been because of his offensive punch; he has established himself as one of the best defensive centers in the game. It isn’t a flashy role, but it’s an important part of any NHL team. His below average scoring totals aren’t exciting, but they aren’t what he was signed for in the first place.

That being said, McClement’s numbers have certainly trended downwards in his time here in Carolina. He notched 21 points in 2014-15 versus 11 two seasons ago and a mere eight last season. Is McClement’s predictable performance good enough to earn him an extension this summer?

My guess would be no. McClement has served this team well in his three-year stay, but the 34-year-old forward does not bring enough to the table to occupy a roster spot on this young team, especially with the competition knocking on the door in Charlotte. McClement’s future with the Hurricanes and in the NHL will be decided this summer.

Exit Interview

Poll

How do you grade Jay McClement’s 2016-17 performance?

This poll is closed

  • 0%
    A - Significantly outperformed expectations
    (0 votes)
  • 1%
    B - Outperformed expectations
    (3 votes)
  • 49%
    C - Met expectations
    (81 votes)
  • 38%
    D - Underperformed expectations
    (62 votes)
  • 10%
    F - Significantly underperformed expectations
    (17 votes)
163 votes total Vote Now