New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias had an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Tuesday and remains out indefinitely.
"There is no current timetable for his return, but we are optimistic that Patrik will return this season," the Devils said in a statement.
Elias made his season debut on Nov. 25 and played 13 games, the last on Dec. 19. The 39-year-old has one goal and four assists in 13 games.
"This was a decision that was made based on conversations and in conjunction with our training staff, team doctors and Patrik," the Devils said.
Elias is the Devils' leader in goals (407), assists (615) and points (1,022) in 1,237 games. He is in the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent.
The Devils (21-17-5) enter play Tuesday in the second wild-card position into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference, and are two points from third place in the Metropolitan Division.