This isn't how Ryane Clowe wanted it to end.

The New Jersey Devils forward is unlikely to resume his NHL career after missing all but 13 games this season following a series of concussions, general manager Lou Lamoriello stated Monday.

"All indications are it will be very difficult for (Clowe) to play the game," he said.

Clowe's season was shut down on Nov. 6 after he suffered an apparent concussion - his fourth in the past two years. He revealed last summer that he had been encouraged to stop fighting in order to protect his head.

Official word on his status is expected soon.

It sounds as if Devils and Clowe are waiting for doctors to say he can never play again, so that insurance will cover remainder of contract — Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) April 13, 2015

In 491 career games, Clowe amassed 112 goals, 197 assists and 618 penalty minutes.