Time in NJ running out for Elias?
To say there’s been change within the New Jersey Devils organization this past summer is an understatement. From management to coaches, staff and players, the team has undergone a complete overhaul from top to bottom. As it happens, the clock may also be ticking on one of the last remnants of this championship franchise.
Patrik Elias, a potential Hall of Famer, holds distinguished records as the Devils all-time leader in points, goals, assists and most points in a season and most GWG’s. Any one of which would be very welcome right now as this team struggles to establish its identity and more specifically, score. Unfortunately, he begins the season watching from above as he’s sidelined indefinitely with an “undisclosed” (some things haven’t changed from the Lou era) knee injury.
When he does return, he’ll likely find his way onto the top line. While age and injuries have diminished his production the last two years, he played 81 games in 2011 and 2012 respectively and managed 62 and 78 points during both campaigns—pretty solid numbers. His health, not talent, will determine his production this year and with that, his value.
Fact is, he’s on the last year of his contract, makes good coin and at 39, he surely doesn’t fit into Ray Shero’s getting younger blueprint. Elias came with the ship and Shero wasn’t going to jettison a genuine leader on a team that lacked it. However that wont prevent him from shopping, and likely dealing him in February.
Assuming Elias can put up anything resembling his typical numbers, he’ll no doubt be a top commodity come the trade deadline (or sooner). Production not withstanding, he’s generally regarded around the league as one of the smartest players on the ice and his experience and leadership will be a welcome addition for any playoff bound team. He’s just the kind of guy that could be that final piece to a team looking to make a deep run to the Cup. Teams that come to mind include Anaheim, San Jose, Columbus and Minnesota. This would be a very Broten-esque type move for any of them and they’d no doubt hope for the same result.
The return? Hard to say but if he can produce anything resembling “Elias-like numbers,” he could net at least a 2nd rd pick. Not a terrible haul. It’s a tough business but after the Marty saga last year, it’s clear that finishing your career with the same club is an increasingly rare thing. He’ll always be a Devil and his number will hang along side the franchise’s stalwarts in due time. Emotions aside, it may be the best move for both player and team.