Watch: Patrik Elias takes one last warmup with Devils
For the final time...#26...Patrik Elias! #PattysLastLap pic.twitter.com/CpRK4umhWn
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 8, 2017
The Patrik Elias era is officially coming to a close in New Jersey.
The longtime Devils forward, who recently announced his retirement after 18 NHL seasons, took part in one last pregame skate with the team Saturday. His teammates allowed him to first take the ice on his own, at which time he promptly potted yet another puck into the net.
And to cap his evening, Elias - joined by his family - took part in the ceremonial faceoff.
Patrik Elias' family surprises him on-ice and joins him for tonight's ceremonial puck drop! #PattysLastLap pic.twitter.com/QlZwdLpAsD
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 8, 2017
What a moment.
There wasn't a dry eye inside @PruCenter. #PattysLastLap pic.twitter.com/CEOI67KyvX
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 8, 2017
Despite hoping to play one final season, Elias was forced to sit out all of 2016-17 and was limited to 16 games last season as a result of a knee injury.
He hangs up his skates as New Jersey's all-time leader in goals (408), assists (617), points (1,025), game-winning goals (80), and hat tricks (eight).
The Devils have already announced they'll retire Elias' No. 26 next season. He'll be the fifth player in franchise history to earn that honor, joining Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Ken Daneyko.