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Still no decision on Patrik Elias, but Devils keeping an ‘open mind’

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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New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero said a decision about whether or not to re-sign forward Patrik Elias would be made later this summer.

It’s now the middle of September, training camp is approaching and still no decision has been made.

Now 40 years old -- he hit the milestone birthday in April -- Elias played in only 16 games last season, scoring two goals and eight points in the final year of a three-year, $16.5 million contract. He’s currently an unrestricted free agent. He also underwent surgery on his right knee in May, so you can understand why there would be questions about if he’s able to still play at the NHL level.

Shero told NorthJersey.com that there is still no deadline to make a decision.

From NorthJersey.com:

Shero said the time for a decision will come when Elias is able to test his knee harder in drills. Part of that will be whether Elias can physically handle the rigors of another NHL season.

Part of it is whether the Devils have a spot on the roster for him, or a need.

“When he does [push it harder], how is it going to react?” Shero said. “And we’ll see exactly where we are as a team at that point, anyway. So we’re going to keep an open mind both ways, but it’s great having Patrik around.”

The Devils currently have 14 forwards under contract on their NHL roster for the upcoming season, as per General Fanager.

Elias has played his entire NHL career with the Devils. That includes 1,240 regular season games, with 408 goals and 1,025 points, and two Stanley Cup championships.