Ryane Clowe’s NHL career is over. The 32-year-old forward is no longer able to play hockey due to a series of concussions he suffered over the last couple seasons.
Ryane Clowe will be unable to play hockey now or in the future, Devils GM Ray Shero says
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 11, 2015
Clowe says he feels fine now. "I would have loved to play again", but doctors reccommend against it.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 11, 2015
Clowe still has three years and $14.55 million left on his contract with the New Jersey Devils. Despite the fact he won’t be playing, Clowe won’t officially retire and the Devils may still use his contract if they need assistance remaining above the cap floor.
Clowe willl stay on IR or LTIR (if necessary for cap reasons) over the final three years of contract, Shero says.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 11, 2015
It’s never easy to write about a player hanging up his skates prematurely, but it sounds like the New Jersey Devils should be commended for how they’re handling the situation. Instead of ushering Clowe on and trying to turn the page on a player who will cost a sizable amount of money without ever playing, the Devils are supporting Clowe during a difficult time.
What will Clowe do now that he’s aware he can’t compete? It sounds like he hasn’t given it too much thought as his full attention was on playing, but he’d like to stay involved in the game.
Clowe said he plans to stay involved in the game. Possible he'll work for Devils, but focus up to now was on if he could play.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 11, 2015
Here’s to wishing Clowe the best. We’ve joked about him in the past – remember his run at an all-time embarrassing NHL record? – but we hope he’s able to stay involved in the sport in some capacity.
