Patrik Elias won't make concessions on himself.
The veteran forward, who as you may remember represented the New Jersey Devils at the All-Star Game, is averse to his diminishing role in Lou Lamoriello's scheme and is prepared to put his foot down next season.
"If they want to play me on the fourth line, I'm not willing to do that," Elias said, according to NJ.com's Rich Chere. "I think that's a conversation I'm going to have after this season. I know what I'm capable of."
Elias is still receiving ice time at a fair rate, but is playing alongside bottom-six forwards Stephen Gionta and Dainius Zubrus in a checking capacity that he won't be eager to take on in a contract season.
"I probably wouldn't (accept) that because I don't consider myself a fourth-line player and I wouldn't be useful for this team to play that role. Simple."
Elias is on pace to finish with career-worst offensive numbers, tallying just 10 goals and 28 points to date.
