Ryane Clowe added to New Jersey Devils' coaching staff

While Ryane Clowe’s hockey career may be over, he’s not leaving the game as the New Jersey Devils announced on Tuesday he would be added to the team’s coaching staff.

“We are looking forward to Ryane joining our staff,” said Devils head coach John Hynes. “His character, expertise as a player, knowledge of the game and passion to coach will be a benefit for our players and the Devils’ organization.”

The 33-year-old Clowe has not played in the NHL since Nov. 6, 2014 when he suffered a sixth concussion in an 18-month span. Last September, new Devils GM Ray Shero announced the veteran forward of 491 games wouldn’t be retiring but would not be playing hockey again.

Clowe joins Hynes’ staff with two more years left on a five-year deal, $24.25 million contract he signed with New Jersey in 2013. He would only play 56 games over two seasons with the Devils before concussions issues ended his career.

“I’m a year removed from the game so I think I have a decent idea how to relate to the players, what they look for,” Clowe told Julie Robenhymer of the Devils. “I’m not looking to come in and be anything right away. I know there’s a learning curve here. It’s not just an opportunity but an opportunity to be with this coaching staff, which I found out last year was a great staff.”

Months before he joined the Devils, Clowe worked on the coaching staff of the now-defunct San Francisco Bulls in the ECHL helping on special teams and defense. He told the Devils’ website he’d always had an interest in the coaching side of the game and really got a good taste of it helping New Jersey in various roles last season.

“I’m just looking to dive in,” he said. “I’m hungry to get started.”

– – – – – – –

Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy