Patrik Elias yesterday revealed that negotiations with Devils president Lou Lamoriello were “not really” close to keeping him from entering the unrestricted-free-agent market. The 30-year-old center also told The Post that “winning is No. 1” in deciding where he’ll play next season.
“That’s the main thing. You don’t want to be on a team that’s going through rough times,” said Elias, whose return from hepatitis keyed the Devils’ turnaround for a 39-18-4 record in 2006. “There are a lot of good hockey towns, and a lot of organizations that are successful.
“And this one [New Jersey] is on top.”
Elias is eligible to become unrestricted in July, and said he’ll hire an agent in the immediate future to handle his negotiations, first with the Devils and, if still unsigned by July 1, with other suitors.
“This is an exciting time for me. It’s a good chance for me to see what my number is, what I’m worth and what other teams might be interested,” Elias said as he joined his teammates for their team photo at the Meadowlands before parting for the summer.
Lamoriello said he would do all he can to re-sign Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner, another upcoming unrestricted. Elias made it clear that while his talks with Lamoriello did not come close to generating an agreement, there was no insult or difficulty in them.
“This organization gave me a lot of good things, positive things. I owe something to this organization,” Elias said.
Elias made $4.18 million last season but could double that salary, depending on the salary cap and how many bidders there are for the 10-year Devil, whose reign as five-time team scoring leader was halted this season after he contracted hepatitis while playing in Russia during the 2004-05 lockout.
Elias added that in addition to team competitiveness and salary, the coach also would factor into his decision.
“You don’t want to come to work and not be happy with your bosses,” Elias said.
Langenbrunner said remaining in New Jersey “would be my first choice,” discounting speculation that he might jump to Florida to join buddy Joe Nieuwendyk. Ken Klee, scratched from the last two playoff games, is another upcoming unrestricted free agent, as is Viktor Kozlov, who saw limited duty.
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Lamoriello again promised he won’t be the coach next season, and said, “We certainly have to strengthen our blue line and find ourselves a certain type of center.” . . . Grant Marshall said he suffered a separated right shoulder in Game 3 vs. the Hurricanes . . . Lamoriello said the AHL approved the Devils’ purchase of the Lowell, Mass., franchise, which would be the organization’s top farm team.
