The New Jersey Devils will raise the number 26 to the rafters on Saturday night, marking the first forward to have their number retired by the team. Could one of the best players to ever hit New Jersey’s ice also help them become the next great team of the future?
There will be dozens of articles coming out on Patrik Elias today, with his impending jersey retirement tonight at the Prudential Center. They will look at the history of Elias coming over to the New Jersey Devils and making immediate impacts. Writers will assess whether Elias could make it to the Hall of Fame. They will look at the moments we’ll never forget, like the pass to win a Stanley Cup or the last lap in a Devils uniform.
But that’s assessing the past for Patty. We want to know what Elias’ future holds.
Right now, it’s hard to tell. He spoke to Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo… sorry, at ESPN and Emily Kaplan about what could be next. He said a lot of time off. Elias also says he spent some time with NHL Network, and really liked it.
One thing that caught my eye over the festivities the past few days is this tweet from Andrew Gross.
#NJDevils coach John Hynes says he's asked Patrik Elias numerous times if he would be interested in coaching. Elias with no interest.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) February 22, 2018
“No interest.” That’s what Patrik Elias said when it comes to coaching his former team. He spent 20 years with the New Jersey Devils, so it’s hard to believe him when he says that. Could Elias really mean it when he says he has no interest in coaching at the NHL level?
Listening to Elias’ media tour for his jersey retirement night, one thing has become clear, he really likes the freedom of retirement. He loves the fact that he can go to the Czech Republic whenever he wants. Elias can do just about anything, like eating a bunch of leftover bacon at the Prudential Center.
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But what happens when freedom becomes boredom? It’s been one year where Elias hasn’t been working out like a comeback was possible. While he didn’t play a minute in the NHL last season, he really didn’t make his final decision that he wasn’t coming back until this time last year.
I don’t know what his money situation is, but according to Celebrity Net Worth, the Czech superstar is worth $50 million. I’m not sure if those numbers are exact, but I do know that Elias made over $65 million during his career. It doesn’t seem like money would ever be a motivating factor to put Patty behind the bench.
However, if this Devils team continues on the progression it’s shown during the rebuild, then it could be a fun team to be a part of. That would be the only reason Elias would change his mind.
For now, let’s enjoy looking at the past and honoring Patty on his night. Because it would be a long time before Elias ever decides he wants to join the hockey family once again.