faba Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 Updated: Aug. 24, 2005, 4:19 PM ET Elias signs one-year qualifying offerESPN.com news services Devils left wing Patrik Elias accepted the club's qualifying offer Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $4.18 million. The figure would put the Devils' payroll at $44.3 million, more than $5 million above the new $39 million cap. But with Elias still recovering from hepititis, he is expected to start the season on the injured list. That would enable the Devils to deduct his salary from the payroll under an injury provision that requires players to miss at least 10 games. If Elias recovers as expected, the club will then likely try to sign him to a long-term deal. By accepting the one-year deal, Elias can be an unrestricted free agent next summer. New Jersey's payroll does not include defenseman Scott Stevens, who has not yet informed the team if he plans to return after suffering post-concussion syndrome in 2003-04. A native of the Czech Republic, Elias recorded 38 goals and 81 points in 2003-04. Last season during the NHL lockout, Elias played in the Czech Republic and Russia, apparently contracting hepatitis in Moscow. A second-round pick in 1994, Elias has 207 goals and 252 assists in 557 games with New Jersey. Elias was named as a first team NHL All-Star at left wing in 2000-01, when he set career-highs with 40 goals and 56 assists. Devils are 5 million over the cap- so they will have to shed salary even if Stevens decides not to come back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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