Ryane Clowe Trade: Clowered Expectations

Ryane Clowe has reportedly been traded to the Rangers for a 2nd, 3rd, and conditional second if he signs.

The Sharks have been looking to deal Clowe for a while now, as he is an unrestricted free agent after this year who doesn't look to fit into the team's future plans. Clowe has been having a dismal year offensively this season, and has the dubious distinction of being the player with the most shots in the league who has yet to score a goal.

The best season of Clowe's career came in 2010-11 when he put up 24 goals, 38 assists, and 100 penalty minutes in 75 games. He spent most of that season on a line with Logan Couture, and found a role as the young star's protector and finisher. Watching Clowe this year it's hard to remember when he was such an important part of the Sharks' offense. Injuries and bad luck have combined to severely limit Clowe this season, and while he is undoubtedly better than the 0 goals and 11 assists he has contributed in 2013, I would not bet on him reaching the 20 goal mark again in his career. As Fear the Fin pointed out in their season preview, Clowe had a disappointing season last year as well, even though he didn't face the toughest competition.

At his best, Clowe is a versatile power forward with playoff experience and several productive years ahead of him. At his worst he's an old-before-his-time Cheechoo-esque figure who had his numbers inflated playing with rising star Couture. With this trade the Sharks are clearly betting that the latter case is closer to the truth than the former.

Five Things I'll Miss About Ryane Clowe

#1. His fights

2. His toughness

#3. His passion

#4 His boring Twitter account

#5. His photoshop-friendly face

So long and good luck, Ryane Clowe. You will be missed, but not for your hockey skills.