EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 15 (UPI) -- The New Jersey Devils Monday re-signed All-Star left wing Patrik Elias to a three-year deal, thus avoiding arbitration.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Elias, 26, was a restricted free agent and had the chance to entertain bids from other NHL clubs, with the Devils retaining the right to match any offer.
New Jersey has had bad experiences in arbitration. Wounds inflicted during a contentious hearing last year with Bobby Holik never fully healed and the rugged center left via free agency, signing earlier this month with the New York Rangers.
Also last year, Elias' former linemate, Petr Sykora, won a 389 percent salary increase in arbitration. Sykora was sent to Anaheim in a seven-player trade earlier this month.
The last member of the "A Line" still with the team, Elias led the Devils in scoring last season with 29 goals and 32 assists in 75 games.
