Ryane Clowe (concussion) could get into Saturday's game if Damien Brunner is unable to go. Brunner took a knee-on-knee hit Friday and is questionable at best for Saturday's game against Washington. Clowe is due back any day and although coach Peter DeBoer would not speculate about the return of Clowe for Saturday, it is a possibility. Clowe has been out since October 13 with a concussion. Stay tuned.

Ryane Clowe (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game. Clowe is also doubtful for Saturday's contest, but he might return on Monday. "I would be like to play a game before Christmas," he said. "I think it would give you a good mindset going into the break, but I understand at this stage that I've missed a lot of games and an extra three days off might be good too." He hasn't played since Oct. 13.

Ryane Clowe (concussion) probably won't return Friday. "We're taking it day by day and we're going to see how he responds," coach Pete DeBoer said. "He hasn't been pushed consistently, so we're going to take advantage of as many of these days as we can. But that doesn't mean he's necessarily a scratch." He may have to wait until after the Christmas break to return to the lineup, but he will travel with the team and he hasn't been completely ruled out for this weekend. Clowe hasn't played since Oct. 13.

Ryane Clowe (concussion) thinks he might be able to play on Friday. "To be honest with you, I still haven't talked to anyone," Clowe said on Wednesday. "I don't know because today's a game day if I'll talk to anyone, but I think I could possibly play Friday. That doesn't mean I'm going to. But, I feel pretty good. I feel like I'm probably ready to go play now. I don't know if I will or when I will, but I just feel like I'm at a point now where I'm really close or if not right there." Clowe took part in Monday and Tuesday's practices. He hasn't played since Oct. 13.

There isn't a timetable for Ryane Clowe's return to the lineup, but he hopes to play before Christmas. "We'll see how today went and we'll see how tonight goes," said Clowe. "Did a little bit of contact, didn't get hit hard or anything, but a little bit of bumping. That was first, obviously. I've done since I played a game. We have four games before Christmas, so if I can get back, I'm not sure, for one or two of those games or maybe at some point before Christmas, it would be nice." He skated with full contact for the first time at practice on Monday. He has medical clearance to play, but he's staying out a little longer to make sure he stays symptom free and to get him back into shape.

Ryane Clowe (concussion) has been medically cleared to return to the Devils' lineup. Clowe still needs to get back into game shape, but this means that he doesn't need to be evaluated by doctors again before he plays. There's still no target date for Clowe's return, but Devils GM Lou Lamoriello cautioned that they're "going to take our time and just make sure everything is 100 percent."

Ryane Clowe (concussion) didn't travel with the Devils to Columbus for Tuesday's contest. That being said, Clowe will be on the ice in New Jersey just a day after participating in the Devils' optional practice. He's expected to rejoin the Devils for another practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

Ryane Clowe (concussion) skated Monday in New Jersey's optional session. He sustained a concussion back on Oct. 13 in Winnipeg and there's no timetable available for his return.

Ryane Clowe is concerned that he has had two concussions in the last eight months. Clowe participated in Friday's morning skate but has not played since October 13. "I think it's a little bit human to be a little bit concerned," Clowe said. "A lot of it's just trying to make sure you're mentally prepared when you come back that you're not going to really think about that. . . . I can't really control what happens, but I'd probably be lying to you by saying it's not really some concern when you have these things." Clowe has one assist in six games this season and there is no timetable for his return.

Ryane Clowe (head) participated in the Devils' Friday morning skate. Clowe hopes to take part in a full practice as early as Monday. "I don't know if there's really a timetable here," Clowe said. "It's just continuing to move forward. You know how it is with these things. It's tough to say." He has an assist in six games this season.