When Ray Shero took over as the GM of the Devils he admitted there is no quick fix to turn the team into true contenders, and hinted they may be heading for a rebuild.
If that is the case, it will be interesting to see what that means for some of New Jersey's veterans -- particularly Patrik Elias.
At 39 he doesn't have many years left in him, and he has stressed how much he'd love another chance at a Stanley Cup before he retires.
A potential rebuild means that he'd have to be moved elsewhere to make that happen.
Elias shared his thoughts on the possibility of Shero trading him.
Via FireAndIce: “Honestly, if he wants to change things around and this is not a place for me anymore, it's OK. It happens. And if he wants to keep me around and still be a part of the team, then I'll be more than happy.…
Positives - First and foremost, Elias would fetch some assets that could help speed up the rebuild. He had a down year offensively by his standards - as did almost every player on the team - but he can still play, and would certainly be a big boost to a potential contender.
- Elias is a free agent at the end of the season and it's possible he would walk away for a chance to play for a contender. By trading him they'd get value for someone who may not be with the team in 2016-17 regardless.
- Trading Elias would further embrace the youth movement, and open up a roster spot for one of the team's younger players to take.
- Elias, who is one of the best Devils of all-time, would have an opportunity to win again before he retires. I think he deserves that chance.
Negatives
- If the Devils trade Elias, they'd lose one of their best players and a perfect role model for the young guys.
- Elias is one of the few forwards on the team capable of doing some heavy lifting and taking pressure off younger players.
- With Lou Lamoriello taking on a lesser role, and Martin Brodeur no longer with the team, Elias is the face of the franchise. He's a fan favorite and a career Devil so it'd be tough for a lot of people to see him go.
Final Thoughts Being the loyal soldier that he is, Elias seems willing to stick around for a rebuild if that's what Shero wants.
Personally I'd like to see Elias get another crack at the Stanley Cup, and think trading him - either now or at the deadline (more likely) - would make sense if the team is embracing a rebuild and Elias would like to play for a contender.
Time will tell if that's the case.
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