Ryane Clowe 'arguably the best' from this province, says Terry Ryan

If Ryane Clowe's professional hockey career is over, it's not because he didn't give it his best effort, or overcome great odds to achieve his dream, says fellow Newfoundlander and former hockey wunderkind Terry Ryan.

"If anyone was going to overcome the odds, it was going to be him because he was going to get the maximum out of his potential. You could tell that at an early age," Ryan said during an interview Tuesday with Here & Now.

Clowe, a native of Fermeuse on the province's Southern Shore, has been sidelined from hockey for more than five months because of concussion symptoms.

• Ryane Clowe's NHL career is likely over, reports say

Media reports Monday from the season-ending gathering of the New Jersey Devils indicate that Clowe is likely to retire from the game, with team president and general manager Lou Lamoriello saying, "all indications are it will be very difficult for him to play the game again."

Clowe broke into the NHL a decade ago, and made his mark with the San Jose Sharks over eight seasons, inclduding a career-best 62-point performance (24 goals and 38 assists) in 2010-11.

He was traded to the New York Rangers late in the 2012-13 season, and made hockey headlines by signing an eye-popping five-year, $24.25 million contract with the Devils two years ago.

But Clowe's hard-charging, physical style of play took a toll. He suffered a series of concussions over the last two seasons, including a Nov. 6 incident in a game against the St. Louis Blues.

'Unreal career'

He played 43 games in his first season with the Devils, and just 13 games this season.

It now appears the 32-year-old will leave the game, though not under his own terms.

It's something Terry Ryan can relate to, having played just eight NHL games after being drafted eighth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1995.

"Part of me feels for him, but the other part says let's celebrate the end of an unreal career," said Ryan.

Clowe has played 488 NHL games, registering 112 goals and 197 assists.

He's one of a handful of born-and-bred Newfoundlanders who have made their mark in the NHL over the past decade, and Terry Ryan said he's "arguably the best," adding, "he'd be in the conversation" with the likes of Danny Cleary and Michael Ryder.

He said Clowe was underrated throughout much of his hockey player, which makes his ascent to the top levels of the game all the more special.

He said Clowe has terrific skills, despite his reputation of a grinder.

"That's the way he earned his living. In order to play with the best in the world, he had to do that," said Ryan.

Well-respected by teammates, fans

Ryan said Clowe has earned respect from his fellow players and fans at every step along his career, and believes part of that comes from where he grew up.

"He personifies where he comes from," said Terry Ryan, who also referenced Clowe's reputation as a relentless player and his commitment to physical fitness.

Ryan described Clowe as a "dear friend," but said he was surprised that New Jersey would sign him to a long-term contract, considering his history with concussions.

He's not surprised, however, that Clowe continued to play. 

"He extended his career just to make sure," said Ryan, who believes Clowe will likely continue his involvement with hockey as a coach.

Attempts by CBC News to arrange an interview with Clowe have been unsuccessful.