Why Patrik Elias doesn’t want Devils’ captaincy

During the offseason, New Jersey Devils captain Bryce Salvador retired. This meant the team’s main leadership position is open heading into training camp.

Would 39-year-old winger Patrik Elias want the ‘C’ if offered? The answer appears to be no as he told Tom Gulitti of the Fire and Ice blog:

“I’ve been in that position before,” Elias told me this week. “I think it’s a privilege, no question about it. I would consider it. I’m truly hoping it’s not my last year, but I think there are different guys that would be more suited for that.”

In 2007, former Devils coach Brent Sutter stripped Elias of his captain’s ‘C’ and since then, according to the story, he hasn’t truly wanted it back. Elias, who was drafted by the Devils in 1994, was the team’s captain in 2006-07.

Elias said similar in 2013 before Salvador was named captain and in 2011 before Zach Parise got the C. The way he was stripped of it, with Sutter telling the media before discussing it with him, has never sat well with him.

Added Elias:

“I just thought there should have been more courtesy,” he said. “I don’t know if the coach only makes the decision on the captain. We know that wasn’t the case. But, I think I deserved a little bit better, not treatment but just letting me know. Not just take it off and finding out from you guys (the media).”

In 2007-08, the Devils went 46-29-7, though Elias saw his point totals drop from 69 the year before to 55 that season.

At one point in 2007-08, Elias pulled Sutter aside and essentially told the coach that he wasn’t slacking.

Elias was replaced by Jamie Langenbrunner who captained the team from 2007 through 2011.

In Elias’ season as captain, some Devils were “openly insubordinate” of former coach Claude Julien.

As captain, could Elias have lessened these issues? 

This entire experience has scarred Elias to some degree as he heads into the final year of his contract – and what could be his last season with the Devils and in the NHL.

If this is Elias’ New Jersey swan song, maybe the Devils should give the captaincy to someone younger. A player who can grow with it under new coach John Hynes.

Again from the Fire and Ice blog:

“We’ve got plenty of guys that lead different ways,” he said. “Obviously, Greenie (Andy Greene) is a steady guy and a well-like guy in the locker room and everything and he’s been in that role, especially for the D-men, for quite a while. We have plenty of guys. Some guys have to step up. It’s time for Rico (Adam Henrique) to be more of a leader. He’s been around and he’s going to be counted on. You have Cammy (Mike Cammalleri) with experience. There’s different guys, different ways.”

Is it time to give it to one of the young guns like Adam Henrique or Adam Larsson?

Too Many Men on the Site gives a different thought. That it should go to a more middle-aged hockey man – another longtime Devil.

I believe if the Devils chose to name a captain that the honor should be bestowed upon (Travis) Zajac. If such action was taken, I believe at age 30 Zajac could grow with the role, while Elias is likely to hang up the skates sooner rather than later. Like Elias, Zajac has been a ‘lifer’ thus far with the organization since being drafted in the first round of the 2004 Entry Draft. On top of that Zajac represents a good character off the ice as he has taken part in numerous charity events over the years and would serve as a great face for the organization.

Indeed, Zajac has been productive for the organization since he was drafted by the team in 2004. He also is signed through 2021, so there won’t be a captain’s carousel if he takes over for Salvador.

Regardless Elias – who will probably see his No. 26 raised to the Prudential Center rafters at some point – provided some interesting insight on why he just can’t see himself wearing the ‘C’.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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