Agent: Elias wants to play 1 more year
Patrik Elias isn't quite ready to hang up his skates.
The New Jersey Devils' franchise leader in goals, assists, and points was limited to just 16 games last season, and according to his agent Allan Walsh, would like to return for another year.
"He desperately wants to play one more year," Walsh said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "We’re not talking to other teams. If Patrik is able to play at the level he expects himself to play, if he can contribute to a team, I think New Jersey would very much love to have him back."
The decision will most certainly come down to Elias' health. The 40-year-old missed the majority of this season dealing with a significant right knee injury and underwent surgery at season's end on the same knee.
Walsh feels Elias' current predicament is similar to the one Teemu Selanne had during the 2013 offseason before he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to a one-year contract - the last of his career.
"I would say it’s a similar situation to what Teemu Selanne went through with Anaheim for several years," Walsh said. "When he felt his knee would hold up and he felt good, he told Anaheim, 'I'm ready to commit to another year.' And then they worked out a deal."
Elias has amassed 408 goals and 1,025 points during his illustrious career.