New Jersey Devils: 5 Candidates to Replace Andrew Brunette

Patrik Elias

New Jersey Devils legend Patrik Elias happily retired in 2017 as a Devils legend and one of the best two-way forwards in NHL history. Despite that, Elias hasn’t said goodbye to the game of hockey for good.

Over the last few summers, Elias spent time working with Devils coaches and players during training camp. In the meantime, Elias has also spent time coaching with the Czech Republic U20 national team and semi-regularly offers comments on the Devils’ performances and opines on some prospects here and there. He once compared Dawson Mercer to himself. That is obviously a huge remark from one of the best players in Devils history.

Provided that former teammate Sergei Brylin takes the next step and moves up the food chain, Elias could find himself in an advantageous position to kickstart his coaching career as an assistant coach. However, much of this will come down to how willing Elias is to take a full-time job like this.

During his downtime, Elias has spent time at home with his wife and kids and frequently travels back to the Czech Republic. That being said, the Devils should leave it up to Elias to decide. Not putting an offer out there to make Elias consider coaching would be foolish.