Rejoice! Rejoice! Elias Returns to Skating

It was noted on the radio broadcast of the Devils 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers last night that center/left wing Patrik Elias had gone three weeks since his arthroscopic groin surgery.  We originally were told that Patty would be out 3-6 weeks rehabbing from surgery.  Well, the estimate appears to be right on time.  As The Record's Tom Gulitti reports, Elias began skating on his own today in Newark.  Gulitti has Lou Lamoriello's take on the situation.

 

"He did skate this morning, so it will be just a gradual thing until we see where he goes," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said.

Lamoriello said that Elias' recovery has been on target so far for what they expected. The Devils originally said that Elias would be back in three to six weeks following the surgery, but Lamoriello wouldn't say this morning that Elias will definitely be back within three more weeks.

"I don't want to put any timetable on it," Lamoriello said. "Nothing has changed, but these are things that you have to wait and see. Everything is on progression right now."

 

Gulitti also reported on Brendan Shanahan's status today.  But it's nice to get some tentatively good news for now on Patrik Elias' recovery.  His absence has sorely exposed the Devils as a fairly one-line team.  If I were a betting man, I'd say the Devils quick Friday/Saturday homestand vs. Atlanta and Carolina October 16th and 17th would be a good guestimate for when he could return, but we shall see.