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Agent: Elias ‘desperately’ wants to play in 2016-17

Florida Panthers v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center on December 6, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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The future of Patrik Elias’playing career is still up in the air, but agent Allan Walsh made his client’s preference perfectly clear.

“He desperately wants to play one more year,” Walsh told Sportsnet. “We’re not talking to other teams. If Patrik is able to play at the level he expects himself to play, if he can contribute to a team, I think New Jersey would very much love to have him back.”

The question now is if Elias will be healthy enough to play in 2016-17. The 40-year-old forward was limited to 16 games this season due to knee problems and underwent surgery in May. The plan is for him to resume skating in August.

If his knee feels good then Elias will speak to Devils GM Ray Shero about a new contract.

Elias would have the opportunity to become the Devils’ all-time leader in games played if he extends his career. He’s at 1,240 contests now, behind Martin Brodeur (1,259), and Ken Daneyko (1,283). He’s already the franchise leader in goals (408) and assists (617).