PRAGUE -- Patrik Elias believes the time is now for the New Jersey Devils to establish themselves as annual Stanley Cup Playoff contenders.
They have a great opportunity to begin that quest in Elias' native country and before a rabid fan base when they play the Buffalo Sabres to kick off the NHL regular season at O2 Arena on Friday (1 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NHLN, MSG-B, SN) and Saturday (10 a.m. ET; MSGSN, NHLN, MSG-B, SN) in the 2024 NHL Global Series Czechia presented by Fastenal.
"Boy, was I hoping the Devils would one day play an NHL game here," Elias told NHL.com during Devils practice at O2 Arena on Thursday. "We've had a few of the NHL global games here and it's awesome. I know Czech fans are great. We truly have one of the best fan bases in the world for hockey and for any kind of sport.
"It's just awesome for me to see the Devils here. I'm proud of it and want them to showcase the players, the game itself. We're anticipating two exciting games, exciting hockey, and this is great for these kids and for everyone watching it live this weekend."
It's been a busy week for Elias, who was an honorary guest at the home of the United States Ambassador to Czechia, Bijan Sabet, on Wednesday. He was there for a seminar to help promote tourism in New Jersey, the city of Newark and Czechia.
"I didn't expect it to be that formal because it was my first time at the Ambassador's house," Elias said. "It was great to promote Newark and New Jersey while these games are happening. I think it's important too. I spoke from my heart because I'm proud that I can call New Jersey my second home. It gets a bad reputation, but people don't realize how good of a place it is to raise a family."
Elias became a naturalized United States citizen in 2018. He grew up in Trebic and relocated to Prague when he was 15 years old before moving to the U.S. to begin his professional hockey career in North America when he was 19. In addition to helping the Devils, he also is a consultant for Slavia Prague, which plays in the second division of Czech hockey, and a coordinator for the team and staff.
"I love Prague; it's very easy to get around the city and the history is amazing," he said. "I love the architecture. I enjoy the people. It's not too crowded. The food is great, beer is great. What's not to love?"
The 48-year-old, the first Europe-born Devils captain (2006-07) and first forward to have his number retired (No. 26) by New Jersey, also is very passionate about his former team. He's been closely following it all offseason and hoping to witness an improvement over its seventh-place finish in the Metropolitan Division last season.
"They looked into what they needed to fix and that was goaltending and size on the back end," Elias said. "I think we all know how talented we are up front, but at the same time, the discipline is the biggest question. I wish we could see the biggest improvement in that. Players have been telling me how detail-orientated coach Sheldon Keefe is, so hopefully that's going to be the biggest change for these guys because they need to have a system in play where everything is done for a reason.
"I'm not saying they didn't do that before, but five years ago, when the young guys entered the League, I remember the one thing being said was, 'Let's develop them, let's give them time, let's be patient.' I think it's time."