New Jersey Devils’ Patrik Elias To Retire As Team's All-Time Leading Scorer

NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Devils will bid farewell to their all-time leading scorer when the inimitable Patrik Elias retires from the National Hockey League after 18 seasons.

The Devils announced Elias’ plans to retire on Friday morning. The team will retire Elias’ No. 26 prior to a home game next season.

In addition, the fan favorite will drop a ceremonial puck at the Devils-Flyers game at the Prudential Center in Newark on April 4, and take his final lap around the ice at the Prudential Center before the home finale on April 8.

Drafted by the Devils as the 51st overall selection in the 1994 NHL draft, Elias led the team to two Stanley Cup championships, two additional Stanley Cup Finals appearances and four Eastern Conference titles.

He is the Devils’ franchise leader in goals (408), assists (617) and points (1,025), and ranks third in games played with 1,240 behind only Ken Daneyko (1,283) and Martin Brodeur (1,259). He is also the Devils’ single-season leader in points with 96 (2000-01), when he led the league in plus/minus and was also named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team at left wing.

Elias, a four-time all-star, is also the club’s all-time playoff leader with 45 goals, 80 assists and 125 points, 21 power-play goals and six game-winning goals, the Devils stated.

Elias said that he was proud to have played his last game with the Devils, the team he spent his entire professional career with… a welcome rarity in the modern age of sports.

“For the past few months, I have weighed this decision both physically and mentally,” he said. “I am happy to say this provides me and my family with closure.”

“I came here 22 years ago to play hockey… to do what I loved since I was five-years-old. I was able to play with great teammates, embrace the camaraderie and team spirit of being a Devil, and bring home a Stanley Cup on two occasions. I want to thank the ownership and management for not only supporting me, but allowing me the time to make this difficult decision. It is extraordinarily humbling that my number 26 will hang next to four of my former teammates. I am so proud to have played for one team, one organization over the course of my entire career.”

Elias also thanked his family and friends for their support over the years.

“Off the ice, you grow great relationships, and I’ve been here 22 years,” he said. “I've been welcomed into the community and New Jersey has truly become a second home to me and my family. To the fans, it is nice to know how much I meant to them, and I want them to know how much they have meant to me. I am looking forward to this week, my last lap and next year's celebration.”

Elias also made sure to thank those closest to him.

“Lastly, I want to express my love and thanks to my parents, my lovely wife, Petra, and my beautiful daughters, Sophia and Kaila,” he said.

“Patrik Elias helped to create the foundation for what it means, and what it takes, to be a part of the New Jersey Devils organization,” said Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Devils and Prudential Center. “This moment marks the end of an incredible playing career, but we eagerly look forward to celebrating Patty's 21 seasons of excellence and the legacy he is leaving for generations to enjoy.”

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