ECHL coach and former NHLer Clowe on indefinite medical leave

Newfoundland Growlers head coach and former National Hockey League winger Ryan Clowe is on an indefinite leave from the ECHL team due to medical reasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Tuesday.

Clowe, who appeared in 491 career NHL games before hanging up the skates in 2015, has missed five road games over the past month and is expected to miss more time moving time moving forward. 

He is not likely to be re-joining the ECHL team in Florida for a trio of games this week, or anytime soon for that matter.

“Growlers head coach Ryane Clowe will continue to be on leave for medical reasons until further notice," Maple Leafs assistant general manager Laurence Gilman told the St. John's Telegram in a statement. "The health and well-being of our staff and players is first priority within our program, and our focus is on supporting Clowe and the team in whatever manner is needed.

“Assistant coach John Snowden will continue to assume the head coaching duties during this time. The club asks to respect Clowe’s privacy and will not be making any further comment.”

The fact there is no timeline — “until further notice” — could be seen as troubling and sure sounds serious... What is even more troubling is that it is widely believed that Clowe's problems stem from his history of concussions suffered during his pro career. Prior to his official retirement in September 2015, Clowe missed the entire 2014-15 NHL season with a concussion, at least the fourth known one of his 10-year NHL career. The Leafs aren’t confirming this is the reason Clowe has to take a medical leave.

The Growlers, who are in their first ECHL season, lead the league with a 13-5 record through 18 games so far this year. The team is currently in the midst of an eight-game winning streak and will visit the Jacksonville Iceman on Wednesday, but the club will have to do it without their head coach behind the bench.

Prior to taking over for the Growlers, Clowe worked as an assistant coach on John Hynes’s New Jersey Devils, reportedly without any health issues.