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Trade or stay? Devils’ Elias seems fine either way

Patrik Elias

Patrik Elias

AP

Patrik Elias admits that his career might be winding down, yet he told the Bergen Record that he’s comfortable with the idea of being traded away from the only team he knows ... or not.

The 39-year-old said he wasn’t sure what new New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero has planned for him, yet he seems OK with either scenario.

“Honestly, if he wants to change things around and this is not a place for me anymore, it’s OK,” Elias said. “It happens. And if he wants to keep me around and still be a part of the team, then I’ll be more than happy.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the veteran would waive his no-trade clause for just any destination. Perhaps he wouldn’t be as easy going if Shero asked him to accept a move to a basement team in an unforgiving climate?

That’s something the two will likely need to discuss going forward, but it sounds like the Czech winger would at least be open-minded about a deal. The 2014-15 season was rough for him (34 points is a career-low, unless you count sparse appearances in 1995-96 and 1996-97), even with the token All-Star nod, so perhaps he’s more interested in going out on a high note than getting everything his way?

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins