Elias on the move?
Last week, TSN.ca reported that Patrik Elias will ask for 7.5 million dollars next season through arbitration. As everyone knows, the Devils aren’t as loose with money as some other teams are, and are reluctant to give another player, Bobby Holik, the 4 million he is asking for. After recently signing Scott Stevens and Martin Broduer to huge contracts, it may not be out of the question to witness a blockbuster deal before July 1st next summer, possibly on draft day. Look for 3 major suitors for Elias’ services: Detroit, Colorado, and Montreal. Detroit would be esctatic to get a playmaker like Elias while he is still young. Of course, who would they trade for him? It would take alot to pry him away from the Devils. Colorado could offer Alex Tanguay, Martin Skoula, and a 4th round draft pick, but they would only go after Elias if Forsberg does not return. Montreal seems to be the best suitor for Elias. They will undoubtedly have a top 5 draft pick, along with the current players they have, they can send a few 2nd line forwards along with the pick, and possibly, a little cash. This is all talk right now, but if Elias is not resigned before the summer, nor is he traded before the deadline, don’t expect him to be in a Devil’s uniform next year unless they dump a lot of salaries in order to keep him, and I just don’t see that happening.