Confirmed with Link: Patrik Elias Announces Retirement

[Brodeur]

I always looked back at the 2000 Cup team a little more fondly than 95/03. I was in a rough patch in college and was giving a half-hearted effort. Eventually I had to make some personal changes and re-dedicate myself to school. That coincided with the 2000 playoffs. Whenever I think of those playoffs, I remember the on ice plays but also where I was in my life.

I told myself years ago that I'd treat myself to a nice dinner when the final member of 2000 Cup squad decided to retire. Looks like I'm eating well tonight!

 

[Pyrophorus]

Best of luck Patrik

Pure class.

 

[Basement Cat]

****in love ya, Patty. Easily one of my top 5 favorite players ever.

Forget him consistently putting up points through 3 different eras of the game. Forget the clutch playoff moments. Forget him battling back from a potentially fatal disease and essentially not missing a beat.

What I will remember the most about him is how much being a Devil meant to him. He could have signed elsewhere for bigger paydays countless times throughout his tenure here. Instead he was the only one (of the premier talents) to play here his entire career. I'll always remember him crying during some of the milestone moments in our team's history and how it would send a chill down my spine seeing one of our guys exhibit such passion. I know times and perceptions have changed and he's not the only one, but to see a Euro player bleed for a North American team for two decades is an amazing feat.

I am prepared to pay whatever it takes to see his number go up in the rafters next season. Goodbye, #26! Please maintain some sort of involvement in our organization.

 

[Devils731]

I wish I could be there to give him a standing ovation when he takes warmups. It'll be great celebrating when his number goes up but I'd love to celebrate him while he's in full uniform skating around.

 

[Better Call Sal]

One moment that I always admire Patty for was when he had the C taken from him by Sutter. You knew he was furious and upset about it, he didn't necessarily keep quiet about it when asked, but he swallowed his pride and kept trucking along just as he always did.

He was always someone I feel led by example first and foremost. Personal feelings aside, he would lace them up and give it his all each time he took the ice. To me, it speaks volumes about the soldier he truly was.

 

[Blender]

Great player for such a long time, and an absolute legend to this organization. He will be greatly missed for sure, and just like with Brodeur the team isn't the same without him.

One moment that I always admire Patty for was when he had the C taken from him by Sutter. You knew he was furious and upset about it, he didn't necessarily keep quiet about it when asked, but he swallowed his pride and kept trucking along just as he always did.

He was always someone I feel led by example first and foremost. Personal feelings aside, he would lace them up and give it his all each time he took the ice. To me, it speaks volumes about the soldier he truly was.

Disgusting incident in this franchise's history, and to this day I can't believe it happened how it did.

 

[NJDevils7]

Great player for such a long time, and an absolute legend to this organization. He will be greatly missed for sure, and just like with Brodeur the team isn't the same without him.



Disgusting incident in this franchise's history, and to this day I can't believe it happened how it did.

Kinda off topic but I don't remember all the details is there a good article about the C being taken away?

 

[AfroThunder396]

This is bonkers





If advanced stats were around during his prime they'd be tremendous, guy was a possession monster.

 

[Ripshot 43]

My 1 and only interaction in person with Patty was at the Rock.

I had flown up to watch a game and was standing outside of the arena between the multi stories parking lot and the players parking beneath the Rock. After surprising a bunch of players walking out and getting autographs, myself and my girlfriend at the time were the last 2 ppl standing there huddled together trying to stay warm just waiting a few more minutes to make sure no one else was coming out. We saw a few players drive by and not pay attention to us (for security reasons, I don't blame them but I wanna say Kevin Weeks was one). Then all of a sudden a luxury SUV pulls up next to us and it's Patrick Elias. In his back seat it looked like his grandmother was riding along with him. He actually stopped without us even gesturing towards him and asked if we wanted an autograph or a picture. Which we of course said yes to. As you can tell, that meant so much to me that still to this day I can vividly remember how kind and humble that was of him.

His entire career falls in line with the core years of me being a Devils fan. Truly underrated around the league and definitely one of the best Devils of all time. He deserves to keep "26" to himself.

 

[NJDevs26]

Kinda off topic but I don't remember all the details is there a good article about the C being taken away?

I doubt there was a reason given, Sutter was the new sheriff in town and unfairly dinged Patty for an off year the year before when he wore the C.

 

[glenwo2]

From the devils website :

Like my message under my username, Patty will always be better.

I will miss him.

 

[mtnet]

Inevitable but still so sad. I'm proud he's retiring a lifelong Devil though and I'm excited to have our 1st forward see his number hoisted up high. Should make for a great highlight reel!

We always attend the season opener and closer so I'm stoked we'll be there for the last lap. Now just gotta make sure I get in on whatever game they'll ultimately choose for the ceremony next year.

 

[glenwo2]

^ from what i heard, he'll be there for warm-ups.

 

[None Shall Pass]

The greatest. Scoot on, Patty.













Scoot on.

 

[mtnet]

Another thing I'm thankful for is being able in recent years to catch both Marty's last game as a Devil (closer vs. BOS) and Patty's as well (closer vs. TOR). I don't care how bad of a roster the opponents iced that late in the season but both games were wins and it's always much nicer going out on a positive note like that.

The way Patty finished the game was particularly fun and sweet. Gave me chills because you couldn't help but feel that you were witnessing his last suit up as a Devil that night. Makes for great memories, thanks for all the good times guys.

 

[Devilswede]

It's ridiculous how good he was and how underrated he was.

Favourite player. Will be missed. But....all good things come to an end.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Not the kind of birthday present I was hoping for, but at least I will be there to see it. My favorite Devil. I'll be at his number retirement ceremony.

 

[Cult of Hynes]

Even though it was obvious this was coming, it is still sad to see. One of my favorite Devils. Great player, great career and a great person.

I think he deserves to be in the hall.

 

[John Pedro]

Will be missed. Love his loyalty to the franchise since he could've made more money elsewhere playing in a style that would be easy for him to put up more points...

They need to hire him as skill coach or something along the line.

 

[Sir Fenwick Corsi]

Writing was on the wall for a while now but it still hits home seeing it actually made official. We've been blessed to see some of the best players in hockey history suit up for the Devils. Patrick can hold his own with any of them. For me, that says it all. Greatest forward this franchise has ever produced and it's not even close. As good as he was on the ice, he was even better off of it. A legitimately good person and pure class all the way. His retirement ceremony is really going to be something special.

 

[Devils Dominion]

Off the charts high hockey sense.

 

[Darkauron]

Who could hate this man?

 

[Devilsgrl35]

Thanks Patty! One of my favorites players. I had him sign a pic of him after the St. Patty's day game a few years ago. One of my favorite non-playoff games. I will definitely try to get to number retirement night.

 

[Rad Dude83]

A true devil. Nothing but respect and admiration for this fine man. I love you Patty!

 

[ScottyK]

I almost bought tickets for this game yesterday....kicking myself now.