Elias has no interest in playing in Russia

Although Continental Hockey League (KHL) president Alexander Medvedev listed Devils forward Patrik Elias among NHL players who have interest in jumping ship from the NHL to the Russian super league during a radio interview this week, Elias said "no way" this morning.

"No," Elias said after the team's informal skate at Prudential Center's practice rink. "I've got five years left here (on his contract) and, hopefully, that's not going to be it for me. I still believe this is the best league in the world."

When asked if he would consider playing in Russia after his NHL career is over, Elias replied, "Obviously, you can never say, 'no.' You can never say, 'never.' Everybody's got different perspectives on it. I think for some guys it's very lucrative with the money, but the living conditions are not as good as here. If you have a family, it's tough for families to be there. And the most important thing is this is the best league. The best players are here."

Elias contracted hepatitis when he played in Russia for Magnitogorsk during the 2004-05 NHL lockout and admitted that health was a concern.

"I would suggest that guys that go there get vaccinations," he said. "You never know. I guess you can get sick anywhere, but maybe you are more susceptible there."

Comments

[Pete]

Until the KHL can get more players like Elias and less players like Jozef Stumpel crossing over to their league, they won't be a threat to us.

[mark]

i suggest the guys going over there wear rubbers when sleeping with russian escorts

[2600]

wow, that comment was not really needed....

I think the KHL president totally forgot that Elias doesnt't exactly have fond memories of his playing time in Russia when I made that statement. He probably just compiled a list of players who previously played in Russia and listed them as interested. It's propaganda basically.

[2600]

'I' didnt make that statement "he" did. sorry for the error. lol.

[Pearl Jammed(RJ Arditti)]

i don't see elias leaving us to play in Russia.... i don't see why he would want to for that matter, he is already a millionaire many times over, so why go play for 9 months where his family doesn;t want to go. If anything i could see him leaving to play in the Czech Republic, and thats a big if too i think because i believe he is married to an american girl

[TG]

Actually, Patrik is married to a woman from Czech. (she's a television reporter who is now doing work here in the USA for Czech TV).

[aarrgghhhh]

Thanks, TG. He gave a good quote as I expected.