Speculation: New Teams for Doan and/or Elias

[Stephen Gionta]

Doan and Elias are either retiring or returning to ARZ/NJD.


While playing last season with lingering knee issues, Patrik Elias still put up 8 points in 16 games - .5 points per game. If he's healthy this season, there's no reason to think he won't be a big contributor to the Devils lineup. Especially if he plays with Pavel Zacha. For a middle six player, .5 points per game is all you can ask for, and that is exactly what Elias will provide for the Devils this year if he is resigned.

 

[NJDevils#4]

Would rather see Elias retire than come in as a 4th line winger. Guy was an amazing player through the late 90's and early 2000's. The last 2-3 years though he's just been a bum...quite honestly. One who can't stay healthy either.

 

[ghdi]

Would rather see Elias retire than come in as a 4th line winger. Guy was an amazing player through the late 90's and early 2000's. The last 2-3 years though he's just been a bum...quite honestly. One who can't stay healthy either.

If he comes back he wont be played on the 4th line. He's not a 4th liner and won't be played down there unless the 4th line philosophy changes here which remains to be seen given what we've jettisoned from there (Tootoo, Gionta, Farnham). If he's healthy and wants to come back for one more go, then he's earned it IMO. It all depends on his health. If he's healthy he's still top 6/9 talent. I think he needs to feel the best he has in 3-4 years though.

I personally think he retires out of camp. His health issues have just racked up since the hepatitus.

 

[HBK27]

Would rather see Elias retire than come in as a 4th line winger. Guy was an amazing player through the late 90's and early 2000's. The last 2-3 years though he's just been a bum...quite honestly. One who can't stay healthy either.

He put up 53 points in 65 games 3 seasons ago.

Did not perform as well two seasons ago (34 points in 69 games) and was injured for most of last season.

Elias wants to play again, but he'll be realistic and the team is not going to give him a spot if he didn't earn it. It also wouldn't be on the 4th line. He's still a top 9 forward that can also play on the PP/PK.

Watching Elias and Zacha in the season finale in April was one of the highlights of the year - would love to see Patty come back for one more season.

 

[Brew]

Coyotes and Devils


In a one-for-one trade of course.