Patrik Elias (knee) should be ready to return for either Wednesday or Friday.

Elias (knee) should be ready to return for either Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets or Friday's matchup opposing the Canadiens, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports.

Analysis:

The Devils continue to keep a close eye on Elias as he inches closer to a return from an injury to his right knee that has kept him out of action since the beginning of training camp. Elias is 39 years old and has not played in a game since April 11 of last season, so he very well could be rusty upon his return. However, he can still be an effective point producer based on the fact that he's amassed 1,017 points (406 goals, 611 assists) over 19 years in the NHL with the Devils.