Just a day before April Fools comes a headline that is hard to believe. Patrik Elias has retired from the NHL after 21 years. Though he hadn’t played at all this season, he had been skating with the New Jersey Devils and was considering a comeback should the team need him at some point. The Czech winger played his entire career for the Devils after being drafted 51st overall in 1994. 
Making his debut as a 19-year old in early December 1995, Elias would go on to be an important player on the Devils for the next two decades. Suiting up in 1240 games during his career, he held every role imaginable at one point or another, including captain for one season in 2006-07. His 1025 points place him second all-time among Czech-born players behind only Jaromir Jagr and easily first among New Jersey players. He sits more than 300 points ahead of John MacLean for the franchise lead.
Elias won two Stanley Cups with the Devils (00, 03) and played in an amazing 162 playoff games throughout his career. He increased his play when it mattered most, scoring 125 points in those games and helped fuel the New Jersey machine through the early 2000s. It wasn’t all goal-scoring though, as Elias was an excellent defensive forward, receiving Selke trophy votes four times in his career. He never did win a major trophy, but was selected to the all-star team four times.
His best season would come in 2000-01 when he scored 40 goals and registered 96 points, finishing sixth in Hart trophy voting and leading New Jersey to their second Stanley Cup final in two years. They would lose in seven games to the Colorado Avalanche, but not because of Elias; his 23 points in 25 games led the team.
He’ll likely be remembered by raising his #26 to the rafters at some point next season, as though he may be just outside the Hall of Fame, he goes down as the greatest New Jersey Devils forward of all-time. PHR wishes you luck Patrik, in whatever you choose to do now.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Can’t even spell Patrik right. No respect.
Get over yourself.
Great career. I missed his early years so I can’t speak much to his HOF qualification, but from what I’ve seen he’s always been great.