Detailed analysis of Elias possibilities

All right, since I've got lots of free time this summer, I was doing some thinking about the Elias situation, and I've been trying to assess if he might stay or if he leaves, where he might end up. Here's what I came up with...

Of the thirty teams in the NHL, I'm sure all would love to sign Elias. But realistically, how many have a chance?

Elias has said his two main priorities are:
1) Winning
2) Money

New Jersey
NY Islanders
NY Rangers
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Boston
Buffalo
Montreal
Ottawa
Toronto
Atlanta
Carolina
Florida
Tampa Bay
Washington
Chicago
Columbus
Detroit
Nashville
St. Louis
Calgary
Colorado
Edmonton
Minnesota
Vancouver
Anaheim
Dallas
Los Angeles
Phoenix
San Jose

Obviously it's hard to tell which teams will be competitive (this year's conference finals are proof of that), but there are some teams I think can definitely be crossed off the list. I don't think the Islanders, Penguins, Bruins, Capitals, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Blues, Wild, or Coyotes will be competitors next year, though I could be wrong. I think the Leafs and the Panthers are borderline - could make the playoffs, but don't think they'll be contending for the Cup.

That cuts out 11 teams, which leaves us with 19 teams considering Elias. We can probably also eliminate a few who have a top line left winger and don't need another. Those would be Vancouver (Naslund, D. Sedin) and Atlanta (Kovalchuk), so now there's 17 teams left.

We can also cross Tampa off the list - they are going to have cap problems as it is and are in need of defense and a goalie, not another forward. Down to 16 teams.

Then I went through and started looking at payrolls. I don't know which teams have self-imposed caps (ie, don't plan on spending to the max), so I assumed all were willing to end up near the upper limits of the cap.

So, of the teams left:

NY Rangers - $21,746,500 on 12 players
They don't have any glaring holes that I see (have Jagr, Lundqvist, and Kasparitis all signed). Would Elias be interested in playing with the Czech team, or will the fact that they still haven't won a playoff game since '97 deter him?

Philadelphia - $30,152,800 on 14 players
Will they go with Esche and Nittymaki again, or try to find a better goalie? Esche is signed, Nittymaki isn't (I'm guessing he's a RFA, but I'm not sure).

Buffalo -
I didn't even bother looking them up, since I can't see any way that Elias goes there. Signing big name, big $$$ free agents doesn't seem to be their thing, and they're going to need to give out a bunch of raises after this year

Montreal - $22,903,000 on 10 players
They don't have a goalie signed (I know Huet is a UFA, not sure about Aebeischer), so that will probably be their first priority. Not really sure where they'll go from there.

Ottawa -
Again, didn't look them up cause it looks like they'll have enough problems of their own without trying to sign other teams' free agents. Between Redden and Chara, and trying to sign Havlat long-term, they'll be busy (though the friendship between Elias & Havlat does concern me).

Carolina - $18,090,440 on 11 players
They're in great cap shape. Would you believe that the second-highest paid player who is signed for next year is Oleg Tverdovsky (at 2.5 million)? Cam Ward and Brind'Amour are both signed for next year, Staal isn't but I would imagine he's just an RFA.

Detroit - $24,872,000 on 13 players
They also need a goalie. They don't have one signed for next year, so that has to be a big concern, unless they have a good rookie in the system that I don't know about.

Nashville - $19,295,300 on 10 players
Lots of space to work with, so who knows?

Calgary - $32,243,300 on 16 players
They already have Iginla under contract for 7 mill, so I don't know if they'd want another high-priced forward. But, scoring is their main concern, and they probably could fit Elias under the cap if they were interested.

Colorado - $18,938,200 on 10 players
Again, lots of space to work with, so it's hard to predict what they'll do.

Edmonton - $19,665,200 on 11 players
Lots of space right now, but they too should be looking at some pay raises after these playoffs. Roloson isn't signed (don't know if he's UFA or RFA) so that will take some money.

Anaheim - $20,767,800 on 11 players
No clue what they'll do. But I don't think I could handle Elias joining Niedermayer in Anaheim.

Dallas - $31,055,000 on 13 players
I think they're pretty set up front (Modano, Guerin, Lehtinen, Jokinen, etc) and if anything could use a second line center if Arnott leaves.

Los Angeles - $24,142,000 on 12 players
I know very little about the Kings, so I'm not really sure what they need. Is LaBarbera their starting goalie?

San Jose - $29,157,300 on 12 players
I can't see them signing another top forward either, since Thornton, Cheechoo, and Marleau are all signed for next year.

In conclusion, who knows where Elias will end up? Some teams out there that have cap space (Carolina, Nashville) I can't really see Elias signing with. One team that really worries me is Colorado - they've got tons of cap space and are a perennial Cup contender.

Thoughts?

Free time is a wonderful thing...BUT, I believe that we all should get ready for a disappointment when Elias leaves us. We will not offer him Brad Richards money because it will handicap our team for years to come...If he stays in Jersey it will be for 6-6.5. I'm sorry to break this to you...but that Richards contract (which was sooooo DUMB)..really killed our chances of signing Elias

Elias has the luxury of being able to play for any team he wants.

Don't under estimate his desire to play with other Czechs.

Don't underestimate his desire to test his own abilities on a different team with a different system that would afford him more of a spotlight as an elite offensive force.

On a different team Elias will have a shot at winning the scoring the title AND compete in the Playoffs.

Who has the money, the cap room and a promising competitive situation and serves goulash at the team meal?

I would take Buffalo, Caroline, Calgary and probably Edmonton off the list. I see one problem with the Rangers and that is how do you keep Jagar happy when you're paying Elias between 7 & 8 million and Jags is only getting 4 million. That would be a dilemma. Look for Toronto, Detroit, Colorado and Los Angeles to go after him hard. I see the Rangers going after Chara and Arnott. With Nashville has a sleeper.

I would take Buffalo, Caroline, Calgary and probably Edmonton off the list. I see one problem with the Rangers and that is how do you keep Jagar happy when you're paying Elias between 7 & 8 million and Jags is only getting 4 million. That would be a dilemma.

Jagr makes closer to 9..it's just that the Caps still pay the remainder of his salary. Only the 4+ is paid by the Rangers.

Plus Jagr has only a few years left and he wants to win the cup again. Last year he proved to himself, he can not do it alone.

Jagr makes closer to 9..it's just that the Caps still pay the remainder of his salary. Only the 4+ is payed by the Rangers.

My bad. However, I still see the Rangers going for a defensemen and a Center. (Chara & Arnott).

Elias has the luxury of being able to play for any team he wants.

Don't under estimate his desire to play with other Czechs.

Don't underestimate his desire to test his own abilities on a different team with a different system that would afford him more of a spotlight as an elite offensive force.

On a different team Elias will have a shot at winning the scoring the title AND compete in the Playoffs.

Who has the money, the cap room and a promising competitive situation and serves goulash at the team meal?

How do you know all this?

I think the Rangers will address the Defensmen issue.

Chara or Jovo

I think they will ABSOLUTELY make Elias an offer.

I also think this summer the Czechs will talk it over at the Czech NHL Bar B Que and Patrik will just decide on with whom it is most appealing to him to continue his career with....

He is in a nifty situation.

I think the one big deterrent to him signing with the Rangers would be the BALLS it would take to do that as a Devil when the Devils, at least vocally, still want him.

It would be quite a blow to the team AND greatly improve their biggest rival.

How do you know all this?

He knows nothing...every single one of his posts revolves around the Rangers somehow...even when posted in regards to Elias...

That being said, Elias is a goner

I think they will ABSOLUTELY make Elias an offer.
Based on exactly what???

They very well might, but I have no idea how you could possibly know they ABSOLUTELY will.

He knows nothing...every single one of his posts revolves around the Rangers somehow...even when posted in regards to Elias...

That being said, Elias is a goner

Which of course means , I know nothing.

:biglaugh:

Which of course means , I know nothing.

:biglaugh:


Ok genius...wow us with your sources on Patrik Elias...Or is it, as I've said, just pure speculation and bs

A lot of signs point to him going unfortunately...... and I think our ability to match any offers is going to depend on the outcome of the M&M's contracts.

Also, I think whoever takes the reigns as coach will have a slight influence.

Who knows, maybe if we get Burns back he'll take 6.5mil to stay, maybe not. Maybe our chances are even greater if Stevens comes on as an assistant coach.

I do get a glimmer of hope every time I think about his tear at Stevens' retirement though.... maybe deep down he wants to see his number rise to the rafters too..... maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part.

If Elias leaves to go to the Rangers after Lou sticking by him, would be truly a classless act on his part. And I believe he has more respect then that.

If Elias leaves to go to the Rangers after Lou sticking by him, would be truly a classless act on his part. And I believe he has more respect then that.

I agree 100%...I don't think he would go the Rangers...

Ok genius...wow us with your sources on Patrik Elias...Or is it, as I've said, just pure speculation and bs

He also seems to have a thing about Czechs all wanting to play with eachother. Seems a little... strange to me.

His only problem with the Rangers is that he does not enjoy cross-dressing which would put him at odds with Jagr.

I think they will ABSOLUTELY make Elias an offer.
That's what I thought, ya got nothing.

The Rangers are the hardest team to figure out. There are some very strong reasons for him to want to go there, and there are some equally strong reasons for him to not go there.

Reasons for the Rangers
1) He'd fit in with the other Czechs
2) He wouldn't have to move very far (might not even move at all)
3) More offense and more fame

Reasons against the Rangers
1) Still haven't won a playoff series since '97. Was this past season the legit start to the Rangers building a contender, or a fluke? You've gotta think that going from the team doing the sweeping, versus the one that got swept, would be a hard move to make if your biggest priority is winning.
2) Loyalty to the Devils. He has mentioned that he feels like he owes this organization something, and signing with the cross-river rivals would be a big slap in the face. And I guarantee he gets booed like crazy every time he plays in Jersey.

I don't think he'll sign with the Rangers, but the possibility is so horrible that I can't stop considering it.

Free time is a wonderful thing...BUT, I believe that we all should get ready for a disappointment when Elias leaves us. We will not offer him Brad Richards money because it will handicap our team for years to come...If he stays in Jersey it will be for 6-6.5. I'm sorry to break this to you...but that Richards contract (which was sooooo DUMB)..really killed our chances of signing Elias

I don't agree. It would not cripple us to offer Elias max and I think we just might do it. The fact we signed the goalie that many consider should be the highest paid in the league almost $3 million below max salary allows us the room to give Elias the most money of any other team. Many teams have 2 players making $5 or more million. The Cap is increasin and I know the Devils have the room to offer Elias what he deserves.

I don't agree. It would not cripple us to offer Elias max and I think we just might do it. The fact we signed the goalie that many consider should be the highest paid in the league almost $3 million below max salary allows us the room to give Elias the most money of any other team. Many teams have 2 players making $5 or more million. The Cap is increasin and I know the Devils have the room to offer Elias what he deserves.

The new max will be somewhere in the 8.5- 9 million range depending on the cap....Unfortunately, it would absolutely cripple the Devils to offer Elias that kind of money. Gomez will get a one year contract around 4-5 million this year..Gionta will get 3.5 or so......Listen, with best situation I've seen the Devils are around 25 million dollars..Add Gomez, Gionta, and Elias and we would have 2 million dollars to fill out our roster...that's not gonna happen.

I don't agree. It would not cripple us to offer Elias max and I think we just might do it. The fact we signed the goalie that many consider should be the highest paid in the league almost $3 million below max salary allows us the room to give Elias the most money of any other team. Many teams have 2 players making $5 or more million. The Cap is increasin and I know the Devils have the room to offer Elias what he deserves.

If Lou offered Nieds the max, I can see him doing the same for Patrick. Maybe not 8 million, but 7.5mil is possible. However, the big question is how will this effect signing Gomez and Gionta?

If Lou offered Nieds the max, I can see him doing the same for Patrick. Maybe not 8 million, but 7.5mil is possible. However, the big question is how will this effect signing Gomez and Gionta?

If we did retain Elias for $7 million or more we would be able to retain one of Gomez/Gionta. More then liekly Gionta since Gomez is a UFA after next season. We might see him dealt.

I would rather have Elias for 5 or 6 more seasons and Gionta signed long term and lose Gomez then lose Elias. We will not be able to keep all 3 but who would? You won't see Colorado able to keep Sakic, Hejduk, Svatos, Tanguay and Blake.

Elias makes the Devils not just a better team but keeps them competitive and lingering around eliteness. We were nothing this season without Elias. He is worth $7 million.

Just another thought to throw out there - what about the captaincy? Will Lou use that as a bargaining chip?

Might Elias be interested in potentially being the first European player to captain a team to the Cup?

Lou absolutely will use captaincy as the bargaining chip with Elias. I believe it is the main reason why he didn't name a successor to Stevens this season because he knew that could possibly be motivation for Elias to sign with us once he became an UFA.

Essentially, it becomes Elias' team, and I think Patrik wants that.

Essentially, it becomes Elias' team, and I think Patrik wants that.
Hopefully that is something that Patrik is looking for, since it is one of our bargaining chips.

I wonder how playing on the 1st vs. 2nd line factors into his decision (if at all). Being paired with Gomez and Gionta would yield the most points for Elias, though having him on the 2nd line may be better for the team. Seems to me that winning is much more important than scoring for Elias, but you'd have to think he would prefer to be playing on the top line.

Should be an interesting month - need to see where the cap limit will be set, should know the final outcome of the M&M contract rulings, and hopefully the Devils will hire a head coach since that will impact Elias' decision.

I wonder how playing on the 1st vs. 2nd line factors into his decision (if at all). Being paired with Gomez and Gionta would yield the most points for Elias, though having him on the 2nd line may be better for the team. Seems to me that winning is much more important than scoring for Elias, but you'd have to think he would prefer to be playing on the top line.
Patty still saw shift with Gomer and Gio even-strength, and they were together on the top power play unit.

Jagr makes closer to 9..it's just that the Caps still pay the remainder of his salary. Only the 4+ is paid by the Rangers.

Plus Jagr has only a few years left and he wants to win the cup again. Last year he proved to himself, he can not do it alone.You are almost right about Jagr's contract. He earned $8,360,000 according to the NHLPA website (http://www.nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerBiography.asp?ID=2605) in 2005-06.

However, do you really think that he will duplicate his performance again next season? All that his heroics got his team was swept out of the first round. Jagr will also turn 35 next February, and he is kind of falling apart. His should just popped out of the socket as he attempted to elbow Scott Gomez. Look for Jagr to be much closer to 80 Points next season.

If the Rangers grossly overpay for anyone on the free-agent market, they will simply fall into the same old trap that made them the laughing stock of the professional sports from the late 1990's through the lockout.

this decision will define elias as a devil............will he take the holik road or will he take the broduer and stevens road ( less money and loyalty and captain)

I personally for whatever reason see him taking the high road and sticking with the devils I think he has that certain personality like stevens and broduer, I did not feel that way about neidermayer so his loss was no surprise

i see elias as being as important as the neidermayer signing; it would be a big blow to our club.........but as usual i think captain lou would figure out a way to replace eilias if he left

I think the Rangers will address the Defensmen issue.

Chara or Jovo

I think they will ABSOLUTELY make Elias an offer.

I also think this summer the Czechs will talk it over at the Czech NHL Bar B Que and Patrik will just decide on with whom it is most appealing to him to continue his career with....

He is in a nifty situation.

I think the one big deterrent to him signing with the Rangers would be the BALLS it would take to do that as a Devil when the Devils, at least vocally, still want him.

It would be quite a blow to the team AND greatly improve their biggest rival.

Would you like me (again) to post the quote that Elias made essentially saying he will stay w/ NJ if the money is right?

i see elias as being as important as the neidermayer signing; it would be a big blow to our club.........but as usual i think captain lou would figure out a way to replace eilias if he leftI would say bigger. Elias was a better New Jersey than Scott Niedermayer from 1999-00 through 2003-04.


Would you like me (again) to post the quote that Elias made essentially saying he will stay w/ NJ if the money is right?If it was from the Jason Diamos article in the New York Times of May 16, here is the link to that (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/sports/hockey/17devils.html?ex=1149307200&en=c2697fe1fe218eae&ei=5070).

Here is an excerpt,“If it’s right, I want to stay, obviously. It’s just that I’m in a situation that maybe I can take advantage of. But we’ll see. That doesn’t mean that I’m going to take advantage of it, that I’m going to use it to my advantage. This organization gave me a lot of good things, positive things, in my life. I’m happy where I’m at. And I owe something to this organization.”

.
.
.

When asked what it would take to sign him, Elias smiled and said a little cryptically, “That’s pretty easy.”
Also, here is the link to the team picture (http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/history/teamphotos/1280/05-06.jpg) to which Mr. Diamos spoke.

His only problem with the Rangers is that he does not enjoy cross-dressing which would put him at odds with Jagr.


LOL :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: AWESOME post

He knows nothing...

C'mon! He obviously remembers well 1995-2004, when all those BIG acquisitions of BIG name, BIG dollar players from other teams resulted in such success for NYR!

All the Big name players want to come to Broadway!...And once they do, they always work so hard to earn their pay. :sarcasm:

It is mind-boggling how short the memories are of some people. You would think a decade of witnessing first-hand how lousy a strategy it is to build a team through UFA swipings might just give a bit of pause to NYR fans when it comes to tying up other team's stars long-term (and, in turn, turning those mercenaries into lazy, under-performing fatcats at MSG). Especially on the heels of seeing how going the more practical and patient route rendered a 100 point Ranger team this season.

But, alas, 2004 is soooo old news. Hard to remember back that far, apparently. ;)

As a hockey fan, I want to see Elias remain where he belongs, on a team in which, contrary to the NYR propaganda, he is both a champion and and an offensive star. But were he to head over the river to NYR, along with the $8 mil per year dman from Ottawa :D , this observer would be laughing his way to and through October.

For it will surely be a rerun of years past, of lessons never learned: "Back to the Future" at MSG. Subtitled: "How to Run a Multi-Million Dollar Rotiserie Team and Win Nothing," co-produced by James Dolan, Larry Brooks and a few gullible fans.

I agree with the earlier comment that likely destinations (apart from Jersey) for Elias to go to are Nashville and Anaheim.

Personally, and I certainly know i'm not talking for many people here, I think it's more important that we lock Gomez up long term than Elias. And if we have to choose, I'd go with Gomez.

Beyond the obvious complaints about the Richards contract, I'm a believer that no one should be paid more than your best player, and that player is still Martin Brodeur. If we cannot build a cup winner with players below his salary then that is only Lou's fault. I truly want Elias and Gomez to stay, but I don't want to see the team bankrupt itself on 2 players out of 19 starters.

I see what Toronto has supposedly done with McCabe, and I can already hear the biatching and moaning from 2 years from now when they have 3 years left at 6mil per. Now I know Elias is not McCabe, but he aint *insert perrenial top 10 scorer here* either.

here is the link to the team picture (http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/history/teamphotos/1280/05-06.jpg) to which Mr. Diamos spoke.

Damn! Look at Pando, his neck is wider than his head! He looks like he got mauled by Clamps (http://www.gotfuturama.com/Information/CharacterBios/clamps.dhtml)

Based on exactly what???

They very well might, but I have no idea how you could possibly know they ABSOLUTELY will.

Why wouldn't they? Is the point of this discussion to argue as to whether a team will or will not make an offer? Those who can offer, will offer. It's that simple. You don't work as an NHL GM and not pursue arguably the best free agent on the market. Of course the Rangers will make him an offer.

It's simple. Elias is a supreme talent and is a proven winner. He scores, he seems to lead and he makes his team better. You can't quantify that last point. You can't win unless you build with winners.

I believe that there are two destinations for Patrik Elias. In no specific order. New Jersey and the New York Rangers. Does that mean the Rangers are reverting to their not to old days? Of course not. It means they want a great player added to their core.

Edit: Then again...I'm one of the guys who wanted a partial rebuild before the season began this year. So what do I know?

It's simple. Elias is a supreme talent and is a proven winner. He scores, he seems to lead and he makes his team better. You can't quantify that last point. You can't win unless you build with winners.


Would we have won the 2 cups that Elias was a part of without him? I want to say no, but in my gut I think they would have anyways. I can't count the number of big games over the years where the team was down by 1-2 goals and we needed him to step up. However, I can count the amount of games where he did, sadly, it's not that many.

I've always liked him as a player (still do), but when you want to jeopardize 5 seasons worth of cap space for him, I start to have my doubts.

I will now step to the side so you can all throw rocks at me. I'm sorry, but it had to be said. I'm ready to see him go if he wants that much money.

Well, I just read through Anaheim's offseason thread (all 14 pages of it!), and they didn't really seem to be interested in Elias, I think he was only mentioned in one or two posts. The consensus seemed to be that signing a top d-man was the number one priority, and after that there wouldn't be too many other big signings. It also sounded like they wouldn't be spending quite up to the max (maybe up to 40 million or so).

So, that made me feel slightly better.

Well, I just read through Anaheim's offseason thread (all 14 pages of it!), and they didn't really seem to be interested in Elias, I think he was only mentioned in one or two posts. The consensus seemed to be that signing a top d-man was the number one priority, and after that there wouldn't be too many other big signings. It also sounded like they wouldn't be spending quite up to the max (maybe up to 40 million or so).

So, that made me feel slightly better.

I believe Burke already said he wouldn't max out his payroll. But, it's quite possible that they would trade Giguerre and that would free up alot of cash on top of what they already have to spare. I would agree that they need defencemen more than anything though.

Nashville, with their inability to score at the end of the season/playoffs was a big concern to them, and they seem like a prime candidate to pay for Elias' services. The one thing is that Kariya is a left winger too.

Would we have won the 2 cups that Elias was a part of without him? I want to say no, but in my gut I think they would have anyways. I can't count the number of big games over the years where the team was down by 1-2 goals and we needed him to step up. However, I can count the amount of games where he did, sadly, it's not that many.

I've always liked him as a player (still do), but when you want to jeopardize 5 seasons worth of cap space for him, I start to have my doubts.

I will now step to the side so you can all throw rocks at me. I'm sorry, but it had to be said. I'm ready to see him go if he wants that much money.You should count Game 7 of the 2000 ECF. Many people like to give the credit to Scott Stevens for that win because of his hit on Lindros, but when he knocked out Lindros, the score was 1-0 Devils on a Patrik Elias goal. Philadelphia tied it at 1-1, but Elias scored the game winner to give the Devils a 2-1 win. His perfect, blind-pass to Jason Arnott in Game 6 of the SCF was also a clutch play.

I might put my "keeper" order like this:

1. Elias
2. Gionta
3. Gomez

I would love to lock all of them up long-term, but I could see Parise and Zajac centering the top two lines after this season. I would hate to see Gomez go after the great season he just had. He became a true goal-scoring threat this year, and not because of the "new" NHL. He did it through hard work. He practiced with Coach Jacques Laperriere on shooting. Gomez also stepped up his defensive play and faceoff ability.

You should count Game 7 of the 2000 ECF. Many people like to give the credit to Scott Stevens for that win because of his hit on Lindros, but when he knocked out Lindros, the score was 1-0 Devils on a Patrik Elias goal. Philadelphia tied it at 1-1, but Elias scored the game winner to give the Devils a 2-1 win. His perfect, blind-pass to Jason Arnott in Game 6 of the SCF was also a clutch play.

I might put my "keeper" order like this:

1. Elias
2. Gionta
3. Gomez



Elias is definately a great player. I just have my doubts about the pricetag being thrown about, and his overall value to the team in comparison to that price tag. It's like Jerome Iginla, he makes 7 million a year, and he looked like he earned it last year, but how does it feel to pay him that much for this year? He was good, but 7 (crippling) million good? The Flames sure wish they could have added a center at the deadline.. but were handcuffed.

My keeper list is Gomez, Elias then Gionta. However, if I was GM and Elias doesnt want to sign for 5.5 over 3 (or more) years, then my priorities are to lock Gomez and Gionta in long term and go after a defenceman with speed and a good shot.

I'm in total agreement with your assessment of Gomez, we cannot lose him as centers like him are very hard to find. IMO he is our 2nd most valuable asset next to Brodeur. Alot of players become goal scorers when an elite passer is on their line (hello Cheechoo).

Ottawa -
and trying to sign Havlat long-term, they'll be busy (though the friendship between Elias & Havlat does concern me).



What do you mean? Why does it concern you?

Elias is definately a great player. I just have my doubts about the pricetag being thrown about, and his overall value to the team in comparison to that price tag. It's like Jerome Iginla, he makes 7 million a year, and he looked like he earned it last year, but how does it feel to pay him that much for this year? He was good, but 7 (crippling) million good? The Flames sure wish they could have added a center at the deadline.. but were handcuffed.

My keeper list is Gomez, Elias then Gionta. However, if I was GM and Elias doesnt want to sign for 5.5 over 3 (or more) years, then my priorities are to lock Gomez and Gionta in long term and go after a defenceman with speed and a good shot.

I'm in total agreement with your assessment of Gomez, we cannot lose him as centers like him are very hard to find. IMO he is our 2nd most valuable asset next to Brodeur. Alot of players become goal scorers when an elite passer is on their line (hello Cheechoo).What do you think Gomez is going to ask for? He might want $6 to $7 million over

I would love for Elias to take a deal like Brodeur. I would give him 5 years at $5.5 million easily. I agree that going to high would hurt the chances of resigning Gomez and Gionta.

It's going to be a tough five weeks or so.

What do you mean? Why does it concern you?I think DevilsFan38 fears Elias will want to play with Havlat in a similar fashion to the way Scott Niedermayer wanted to play with his brother.

Lou absolutely will use captaincy as the bargaining chip with Elias. I believe it is the main reason why he didn't name a successor to Stevens this season because he knew that could possibly be motivation for Elias to sign with us once he became an UFA.

Essentially, it becomes Elias' team, and I think Patrik wants that.

Come on now...It is Martys team. I think if they changed the rules and he could cross that line he'd wear the C.

And doesn't Madden want the C ? He is more like the prototype Devil warrior. He may deserve the Captaincy as well.

And doesn't Stevens still loiter around the team alot. He casts a LARGE shadow with a big C on it. That might be an intimidating factor for any new captain.

Lou will make Patrik a great offer, but so will other teams. And untill those offers are actually put on the table maybe Patrik doesn't even know. That's what fielding offers in UFA is all about. He has put himself into a great position. He is the #1 UFA forward on the market and he's Bona Fide! He will have several juicey offers.

Is Elias worth more than Brad Richards? Add to the equation teams perhaps actually bidding up his worth.....

He will NEVER be in this situation again. His age, his skills, experience. His timing is perfect to take full advantage of all his hard work and blessed skills. He can have it all (whatever his definition of "all" may be)

Does he want to play with other Czechs?

Does he want to try living in beautiful Sunny California?

Does he want to STAR on Broadway?

Does he want to be the highest paid player in the NHL? (Don't think that can't happen after the Tampa/Richards, anything is possible)

Does he just want to stay with the status quo? Remain in New Jersey, a Devil. Proud and loyal to the only NHL team he's known?

Come on now...It is Martys team. I think if they changed the rules and he could cross that line he'd wear the C.

How do you figure that? That makes absolutely no sense.


And doesn't Madden want the C ? He is more like the prototype Devil warrior. He may deserve the Captaincy as well.

What does that have to do with Elias signing with the Devils or Rangers or anybody else for that matter?

And doesn't Stevens still loiter around the team alot. He casts a LARGE shadow with a big C on it. That might be an intimidating factor for any new captain.

So he might sign with someone else because being Captain for the Devils might be too intimidating?

Newsflash man, this ain't Montreal and Elias has got the balls to be the Devils next Captain.


Lou will make Patrik a great offer, but so will other teams. And until those offers are actually put on the table maybe Patrik doesn't even know. That's what fielding offers in UFA is all about. He has put himself into a great position. He is the #1 UFA forward on the market and he's Bona Fide! He will have several juicey offers.

Nothing new here.


Is Elias worth more than Brad Richards? Add to the equation teams perhaps actually bidding up his worth.....

And how many good teams can bid for him? You honestly think he'd bolt for Phoenix - no disrespect intended.

Elias has make it clear he wants to play for a contending team, how many of those teams can afford him?

You keep ignoring points like this, no idea why.

He will NEVER be in this situation again. His age, his skills, experience. His timing is perfect to take full advantage of all his hard work and blessed skills. He can have it all (whatever his definition of "all" may be)

More of nothing new here.



Does he want to play with other Czechs?

Why wouldn't he? But I doubt he will leave one team for another just because of more countrymen on that team especially the way teams have high turnovers these days and if anything ever happens to Jagr it could very well be rough times on Broadway for the near future.


Does he want to try living in beautiful Sunny California?

Honestly, so what? I mean you could say that for any free agent on the market.

Will be very interesting to see when the Rangers UFA's hit the market you bring up this as a reason they might leave.


Does he want to STAR on Broadway?


You mean the same way all the past high paid free agents that have starred for the Rangers the past decade?


Does he want to be the highest paid player in the NHL? (Don't think that can't happen after the Tampa/Richards, anything is possible)

Now who wouldn't want to be the highest paid player in hockey? I mean com'on....

Does he just want to stay with the status quo? Remain in New Jersey, a Devil. Proud and loyal to the only NHL team he's known?

And I'm pretty sure I can guess your answer.

Mine, I think their is a very good chance he's gone, but I'm more than willing to look at all reasons he might stay or split as opposed to you where you just want to focus on the reasons he will split and ignoring the reasons he would stay.

I would take Buffalo, Caroline, Calgary and probably Edmonton off the list. I see one problem with the Rangers and that is how do you keep Jagar happy when you're paying Elias between 7 & 8 million and Jags is only getting 4 million. That would be a dilemma. Look for Toronto, Detroit, Colorado and Los Angeles to go after him hard. I see the Rangers going after Chara and Arnott. With Nashville has a sleeper.



Jagr is getting 8.3 million though, not 4. I don't think Jagr cares if the Caps are paying half of it or not.

What do you think Gomez is going to ask for? He might want $6 to $7 million over

I would love for Elias to take a deal like Brodeur. I would give him 5 years at $5.5 million easily. I agree that going to high would hurt the chances of resigning Gomez and Gionta.

That's the problem. Elias says he wants to play for a winner, yet how are the Devils supposed to be a perennial contender when they can't acquire the necessary players after paying his contract?

Gionta is not yet a proven commodity (im not knocking him.. he has to show it again next year) so I can imagine him signing a shorter deal at a lower rate so that he can boost his value.

Gomez and Elias however have been consistent offensive players that have proven themselves to this organization. They should each get the "brodeur deal" because it's not charity by those players, it's respect being paid to both the team and its players.

I dislike the notion put forth by the media that Brodeur somehow did the team a favour in taking that contract. He wants to win, make a great salary, and have stability in his career/life. He took enough money to be adequately paid for his services, and allows the team to afford quality players to surround him. To me that's not a favor, that's how you win championships.

A guy like Bobby Holik would pay alot of the money that he's leeched over the years just to play his first playoff game since he left the Devils.


It's going to be a tough five weeks or so.

Sigh.. indeed.

And doesn't Stevens still loiter around the team alot. He casts a LARGE shadow with a big C on it. That might be an intimidating factor for any new captain.Do you mean like the joke that was Mark Messier 2001-02 through 2003-04 with the Rangers?

Does he want to STAR on Broadway?Is Elias even old enough to play for the Rangers? I thought they liked the free-agents to be around 40. Also, Broaway has already intersected with Seventh Avenue and veered to the southeast by the time

That's the problem. Elias says he wants to play for a winner, yet how are the Devils supposed to be a perennial contender when they can't acquire the necessary players after paying his contract?That has certainly crossed my mind. Martin Brodeur did that exact thing that you are suggesting.

I think DevilsFan38 fears Elias will want to play with Havlat in a similar fashion to the way Scott Niedermayer wanted to play with his brother.
Exactly. Supposedly they're really good friends, and Elias is a UFA while Havlat is only a RFA...

Luckily, Ottawa is going to have their own cap hell, so it's not like they have tons of money to throw at the top UFA forward.

You should count Game 7 of the 2000 ECF. Many people like to give the credit to Scott Stevens for that win because of his hit on Lindros, but when he knocked out Lindros, the score was 1-0 Devils on a Patrik Elias goal. Philadelphia tied it at 1-1, but Elias scored the game winner to give the Devils a 2-1 win. His perfect, blind-pass to Jason Arnott in Game 6 of the SCF was also a clutch play.


Lifting McGillis' stick was a thing of brilliance.

http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/history/teamphotos/1280/05-06.jpg

I swear Paul Martin could audition in a Harry Potter movie as a Weasley.........and man you can tell they weren't happy about how it ended either.

If and for how much they decide to offer Elias will base soley on what they sign Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Paul Martin and Colin White for. Lou is interested in keeping the core of the team together over one player. Of course they don't want to see Elias leave, but he's not worth years of struggling if they can't sign the others.

Side note: If Elias returns he gets the C, if not Lou wants to give it to White.

Lou absolutely will use captaincy as the bargaining chip with Elias. I believe it is the main reason why he didn't name a successor to Stevens this season because he knew that could possibly be motivation for Elias to sign with us once he became an UFA.

Essentially, it becomes Elias' team, and I think Patrik wants that.


Love the Claude Vilgrain avatar!!!

Side note: If Elias returns he gets the C, if not Lou wants to give it to White.On what are you basing this?

On what are you basing this?

The fact that he likes White

I swear Paul Martin could audition in a Harry Potter movie as a Weasley.........and man you can tell they weren't happy about how it ended either.
I like Paul Martin and all...but he is one weird looking dude.
I remember a picture from the Rangers series where he was approaching a group of Devils (Elias and Gomez, I think)...it looked to be during a goal celebration or something; anyway, I suppose he was trying to smile or something but he looked like Odo from ST:DS9 about to yarf.
Still, it looks in the picture like he's at least trying to smile.
The only one with a real smile on his face is Laperriere...and even that looks like a Mr Burns evil grin.

}:-)>

How do you figure that? That makes absolutely no sense.


What does that have to do with Elias signing with the Devils or Rangers or anybody else for that matter?


So he might sign with someone else because being Captain for the Devils might be too intimidating?

Newsflash man, this ain't Montreal and Elias has got the balls to be the Devils next Captain.



Nothing new here.



And how many good teams can bid for him? You honestly think he'd bolt for Phoenix - no disrespect intended.

Elias has make it clear he wants to play for a contending team, how many of those teams can afford him?

You keep ignoring points like this, no idea why.


More of nothing new here.




Why wouldn't he? But I doubt he will leave one team for another just because of more countrymen on that team especially the way teams have high turnovers these days and if anything ever happens to Jagr it could very well be rough times on Broadway for the near future.



Honestly, so what? I mean you could say that for any free agent on the market.

Will be very interesting to see when the Rangers UFA's hit the market you bring up this as a reason they might leave.



You mean the same way all the past high paid free agents that have starred for the Rangers the past decade?



Now who wouldn't want to be the highest paid player in hockey? I mean com'on....


And I'm pretty sure I can guess your answer.

Mine, I think their is a very good chance he's gone, but I'm more than willing to look at all reasons he might stay or split as opposed to you where you just want to focus on the reasons he will split and ignoring the reasons he would stay.


Look Patrik Elias is HEADS and Shoulders above any of the Rangers UFA, but I haven't heard any news about ANY Ranger not wanting to return to the team next year. Some have even publicly said they will take less money/short term deals to remain in NY.


Why would the Rangers want him? Because it would BETTER their team and WEAKEN their Divisional Rival in one move. They have to make him an offer if they think he will listen.

Even if he does not take the offer and it just bumps his money up so high that it screws with the Devils Cap and success at signing other key players...so be it.

I'm not just trying to stir up a hornets nest here. I do believe the Rangers are looking for another Offensive threat to take the pressure of Jags. Can Jagr have another Dominant year? We'll have to see. When he is pumped to play he is possibly the Best player in the NHL.

The biggest knock on the Rangers at the end of last year was , take care of Jagr and the Rangers will fall. And it was true. They had relied so much on his playmaking that without him they were lost. The Devils masterfully exploited that weakness and it MUST BE ADDRESSED.

Would Patrik Elias help that cause? You Betcha

If the Rangers bump his number up so high he goes and signs with some team out west does that help the Rangers?

You Betcha

It's a Chess match...

The fact that he likes WhiteAnd he doesn't like John Madden?

Has Lou Lamoriello come out with a statement from which one can infer that Colin White is next in line for the captaincy after Elias?

And he doesn't like John Madden?

Has Lou Lamoriello come out with a statement from which one can infer that Colin White is next in line for the captaincy after Elias?

The poster not Lou.

You can count the Flyers out of the Elias sweepstakes as well. As much as I'd love Elias to come to Philadelphia, we're right near the cap right now and we don't have the room to offer the money that it would take to acquire Elias.

As for where he signs, I'm thinking Elias stays in New Jersey. It's his and Brodeur's team and Lou knows that. His impact on the team cannot be underestimated. I think Lou will give him a contract that's near the max and will move parts out in order to keep Elias.

As for where he signs, I'm thinking Elias stays in New Jersey. It's his and Brodeur's team and Lou knows that. His impact on the team cannot be underestimated. I think Lou will give him a contract that's near the max and will move parts out in order to keep Elias.


Who's parts do you think Lou will move out to keep Elias?

Who's parts do you think Lou will move out to keep Elias?

The garbage........and maybe Brylin

I like Paul Martin and all...but he is one weird looking dude.


Yes, he is Geddy Lee from RUSH.

The garbage........and maybe Brylin
I'll eat my hat if Lou trades Brylin (well, if I had a hat, I would eat it ;) )

I'll eat my hat if Lou trades Brylin (well, if I had a hat, I would eat it ;) )

I'm with this guy.

I'm with this guy.
Gal, but I appreciate the sentiment ;)

I'll eat my hat if Lou trades Brylin (well, if I had a hat, I would eat it ;) )

Well I love Sergei don't get me wrong by todays standards Mr. Brylin should make 750 not double that.

Well I love Sergei don't get me wrong by todays standards Mr. Brylin should make 750 not double that.

Wow, are you serious?!?!?!

I would take Brylin at 1M any day of the week.

750 would be a damn bargain.

His salary now is pretty spot on.

Gal, but I appreciate the sentiment ;)

Sorry! :bow:

Sometimes being a transplanted Devils fan in Atlanta makes me forget that A) there are in fact other hockey fans and B) some of them are actually female!

Well I love Sergei don't get me wrong by todays standards Mr. Brylin should make 750 not double that.

By todays standards?

Don't confuse rookie salaries of future stars with what there worth is.

Also, don't underestimate Brylin's value- a veteran that can play any forward position for us and play it competently. He can also fill several roles in those positions, though he is best suited to a checking role.

His salary is just right even if he hadn't been with us that long for his versatility alone (a lot of teams would like to have someone that could fill any hole to complete a line-up), but his experience is one reason why we want to hold onto him.

Brylin may not have been the best offensive complement to Elias, but he did a decent job on the second line where we had no one else to do it...... he may not be an offensive powerhouse, but would you rather have him (who you know will NEVER take off a shift and always go out there to play his hardest) or a guy like Kozlov with all the talent in the world and no work ethic?

In my opinion, Brylin is the oft overlooked prototypical Devil, especially since his contributions don't always make it to the scoresheet.

By todays standards?

Don't confuse rookie salaries of future stars with what there worth is.

Also, don't underestimate Brylin's value- a veteran that can play any forward position for us and play it competently. He can also fill several roles in those positions, though he is best suited to a checking role.

His salary is just right even if he hadn't been with us that long for his versatility alone (a lot of teams would like to have someone that could fill any hole to complete a line-up), but his experience is one reason why we want to hold onto him.

Brylin may not have been the best offensive complement to Elias, but he did a decent job on the second line where we had no one else to do it...... he may not be an offensive powerhouse, but would you rather have him (who you know will NEVER take off a shift and always go out there to play his hardest) or a guy like Kozlov with all the talent in the world and no work ethic?

In my opinion, Brylin is the oft overlooked prototypical Devil, especially since his contributions don't always make it to the scoresheet.


I know full well what he brings with his versatility but I feel a rookie could fill in and we wouldn't really miss him. Im looking at the Buffalo Sabres formula as I say this.

On what are you basing this?

Colin told me. We are first cousins and speak quite frequently.

Sorry! :bow:

Sometimes being a transplanted Devils fan in Atlanta makes me forget that A) there are in fact other hockey fans and B) some of them are actually female!
Ha, don't worry about it, I probably should have chosen a username that made it a little more obvious.

how about Elias... signs and agrees to a trade to Vancouver.... for the above option *(Naslund & Cooke)

Helps NJ out with salary and a possible Langenbrunner replacement and Vancouver.... I'd like it.

Reasonable.

Give Elias the Captain - C with Ohlund - A and Linden - A

how about Elias... signs and agrees to a trade to Vancouver.... for the above option *(Naslund & Cooke)

Helps NJ out with salary and a possible Langenbrunner replacement and Vancouver.... I'd like it.

Reasonable.

Give Elias the Captain - C with Ohlund - A and Linden - A

????

The Devils manage to sign their BEST player and than trade him?

The Fans will Love that.

Elias will have the shot of becoming Toronto's captain once Sundin leaves.

Sundin and Elias will make a deadly combo. Toronto will still have money to spend, even after getting Elias to make their defense better. This team can become very competitive once Elias arrives.

That could really attract Elias too.

Elias will have the shot of becoming Toronto's captain once Sundin leaves.

Sundin and Elias will make a deadly combo. Toronto will still have money to spend, even after getting Elias to make their defense better. This team can become very competitive once Elias arrives.

That could really attract Elias too.

Elias isn't going to Toronto.

Has Elias picked his agent yet?

Elias isn't going to Toronto.
I thought everybody and their mother was going to Toronto.

Wow, are you serious?!?!?!

I would take Brylin at 1M any day of the week.

750 would be a damn bargain.

His salary now is pretty spot on.
Hear, hear, Brylin can play for the Devils till he is 50 as far as I'm concerned.

I thought everybody and their mother was going to Toronto.
ha ha..... great point.

Carter's mother is dying for him to come home that is for sure.

Well, I just read through Anaheim's offseason thread (all 14 pages of it!), and they didn't really seem to be interested in Elias, I think he was only mentioned in one or two posts. The consensus seemed to be that signing a top d-man was the number one priority, and after that there wouldn't be too many other big signings. It also sounded like they wouldn't be spending quite up to the max (maybe up to 40 million or so).

So, that made me feel slightly better.

Elias would look real nice on a line with McDonald and Selanne. However, the Ducks have greater areas of concerns. The Ducks need to replace Salei on the second D pairing. Burke won't give Salei a three year contract and told him to go test the water. The Ducks also need a top line center. Marchant was great in the playoffs but the Ducks need a legit playmaking center who could complement both Lupul or Selanne. Didn't Elias play center the season before the lockout?

Burke won't give players crazy contracts unless he is totally sold on the guy. I have no doubt he will move Giguere to free some cap room. Selanne should get a hefty raise as well as McDonald and Lupul and possibly Brzygalov. All three guys played for peanuts this season. After that, the Ducks should have plenty of room to make either a big UFA move or a couple of tier 2 UFA signings. With the number of kids on the lineup, the Ducks need to be careful about longterm needs. If they tie all their money on guys now, are they going to have enough to give guys like Beauchemin, Getzlaf, Perry, etc. in a few years.

Are the Ducks a possible candidate to sign Elias. I would think so seeing how versatile Elias is. Burke needs to shore up the defense though and he only got so much money to spend.

Elias would look real nice on a line with McDonald and Selanne. However, the Ducks have greater areas of concerns. The Ducks need to replace Salei on the second D pairing. Burke won't give Salei a three year contract and told him to go test the water. The Ducks also need a top line center. Marchant was great in the playoffs but the Ducks need a legit playmaking center who could complement both Lupul or Selanne. Didn't Elias play center the season before the lockout?
Elias has played a little bit of center, but he doesn't make a great center. He's much more effective on the wing.

Elias has played a little bit of center, but he doesn't make a great center. He's much more effective on the wing.

I remember when the Devils tried him at center after they lost Holik. Elias said something to the effect of "I'll do whatever the team needs"

But after the experiment failed, Elias said that he had never felt comfortable at center and that he has played LW ever since he finished juniors.

Elias is highly creative with the puck, but he is normally not the guy who lugs it up ice. He's at this best when he is in the zone and receives a slick pass and can elect to shoot or return pass.