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Devils coach: Elias is a Hall of Famer

Philadelphia Flyers v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 01: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates scoring a shorthanded goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on April 1, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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Will Patrik Elias one day make the Hockey Hall of Fame?

According to his head coach, it’s not even a question.

“I don’t think there is any doubt he’s a Hall of Fame player,” Devils bench boss Pete DeBoer told the New Jersey Star-Ledger. “It’s a great luxury to have him on the ice and in the dressing room. He thinks like a coach and he has a world-class player’s skills.

“When you’re building a hockey player, you can’t ask for much more than that.”

Let’s take a look at Elias’ resume:

-- 1058 games played: 365G-548A-913PTS
-- Two Stanley Cups ('00, ’03)
-- Two Stanley Cup finals ('01, ’12)
-- Three All-Star appearances
-- 1998 All-Rookie 1st Team
-- 2001 NHL 1st All-Star team
-- Olympic Bronze ('06)
-- New Jersey’s all-time leader in goals, points.

Elias’ point total might work against him, but statistical evidence shouldn’t keep Elias out of the Hall, according to DeBoer.

“Absolutely not. There is a reason why winning follows certain players around. It’s not an accident and it’s not situational,” DeBoer explained. “When you are around Patrik every day you see not only why he has won, but why he’s been a key part of this organization winning over the last decade.”

For opinions on Elias’ Hall of Fame chances from Butch Goring, Peter Mahovlich, Martin Brodeur, Denis Potvin and Ilya Kovalchuk, check out Rich Chere’s piece in the Star-Ledger.