Elias says Devils should consider others for captain

Patrik Elias said he would consider becoming New Jersey Devils captain again if asked but thinks there are other players better suited for it.

Elias became Devils captain on Oct. 6, 2006 and served until coach Brent Sutter removed the title during training camp prior to the 2007-08 season.

"I've been in that position before," Elias told Northjersey.com this week. "I think it's a privilege, no question about it. I would consider it. I'm truly hoping it's not my last year, but I think there are different guys that would be more suited for that."

Devils captain Brent Salvador retired on Sept. 2. He replaced Zach Parise in 2013; Parise in 2011 followed Jamie Langenbrunner, who replaced Elias.

"It's just the way it went," Elias told reporter Tom Gulitti of losing the captaincy. "I don't think it was handled the proper way, not just from Brent Sutter. Not just from him. So, I didn't want it after that.

"Maybe in a way, maybe when I had that 'C,' you try to do too much maybe a little bit just because it's not an easy role. You might not even recognize it, but subconsciously you might worry about things that maybe you shouldn't. They put you in that role for a reason, because they like what they've seen, and you've got to keep doing the same things."

Elias, 39, entering his 19th season with New Jersey, mentioned defenseman Andy Greene, forward Adam Henrique and forward Mike Cammalleri as players who may be deserving of being the Devils' 11th captain.

General manager Ray Shero previously said he is unsure if the Devils will have a captain this season.

Elias, a forward, has been an alternate captain for the Devils, including last season. He is their leader in goals (406), assists (611) and points (1,017).

"I think I can say I lead. I like to be in that position," Elias said. "I always wanted to be on the ice when the game was on the line and change the game when you needed to. It might not work maybe sometimes, but you still want to be in that position. I think that's one way you see that's a guy you want to follow."