New Jersey Devils forward Ryane Clowe, who has yet to play in the preseason, said Monday he plans on playing the final two games prior to the regular-season opener Oct. 9 against the Philadelphia Flyers, according to NJ.com.
Clowe, who sustained concussions on two occasions last season, including one March 31 against the Florida Panthers that ended his season, was cleared for contact at the beginning of training camp. However, he has taken his time in making sure he's game ready.
"I wanted to push myself in practice," he said, according to NJ.com.
The Devils finish the preseason with home games against the New York Islanders on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday.
"I talked to Pete [DeBoer, coach]. He was good. He kind of left it in my hands," Clowe said of playing preseason games.
Clowe, who turns 32 on Tuesday, had seven goals and 26 points in 43 games last season, his first with the Devils after signing a five-year, $24.25 million contract in the summer of 2013.
Defenseman Jon Merrill could make his preseason debut Thursday. Merrill collided with teammate Ruslan Fedotenko in a practice Sept. 19 and has yet to play in the preseason, but DeBoer said he looked good at practice Monday, NJ.com reported.
"No issues. I think he's ready for some game action," DeBoer said.
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