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Elias’ availability for Devils’ opener in question

New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils

Patrik Elias

NHLI via Getty Images

When the New Jersey Devils begin their season against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 9, they may be doing so without their all-time leading scorer.

Patrik Elias has a sore right knee and that will prevent him from seeing any action in the preseason. As noted, that’s also put his availability for the 2015-16 opener into question.

“I’ll probably know a few days from now a little bit better,” Devils coach John Hynes told The Record.

In the meantime Elias has skated a bit on his own. However, the Devils want to err on the side of caution when dealing with the 39-year-old forward.

It’s worth noting that Jaromir Jagr missed the 2013 preseason due to a groin injury, but the then 41-year-old forward still participated in the Devils’ opener, so if Elias goes that route it wouldn’t be an unheard of set of circumstances for New Jersey.

That being said, Elias’ health might unfortunately prove to be a recurring story this season given his age and the fact that he played in fewer than 70 games in each of the last two campaigns.