Patrik Elias may opt for retirement from Devils

Forward Patrik Elias could opt for retirement rather than return to the New Jersey Devils this season.
Elias, 40, had knee surgery in May and has been rehabbing in hopes of making a return but must sign a contract before March 1 in order to be eligible to play this season. He was asked prior to the Devils' 4-3 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday if he's given himself any timetable to make a decision.

"The time is up, actually," Elias told The One Jersey Network. "I talked to Devils general manager Ray Shero] before Christmas, I expressed how I feel physically and I honestly think I'd be capable of [coming back] physically. But it's more, for me, where I'm at mentally. It's hard to explain. When you go through injuries it leaves you with a little bit of doubt, but at the same time you start realizing 'maybe there's something more for me after hockey.' Obviously, enjoying the family and doing stuff I haven't been able to do for 25 or 30 years, maybe. Mentally, I'm just getting closer to wanting to enjoy those things.
"You kind of listen to yourself and listen to your body and your mind. If you're mind isn't into it anymore 100 percent then obviously the results won't be there. I don't want to go on the ice and play just for the sake of playing. I still want to be capable of accomplishing something [and
forward Vernon Fiddler to the Nashville Predators on Saturday for a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.