New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero on Thursday said he expects forward Patrik Elias to be a "big part of this team" next season.
Elias said earlier in the week he did not know what his role would be and he was willing to leave the only NHL team he's ever played for, if needed.
Shero told Northjersey.com he will talk to Elias in person soon. The two have spoken only by phone since Shero was hired to replace Lou Lamoriello on May 4.
"I think [Patrik's] going to be a big part of this team next year, and we'll see where that's going to take us," Shero told Northjersey.