Devils' Patrik Elias: Could return April 5

Devils coach John Hynes said Elias (knee) has a good chance to return at some point next week, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports.

After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Jan. 12, Elias reportedly has progressed quicker than expected, thus increasing the likelihood that he'll be able to return to action for one (or more) of the final three games. Elias will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but there's been wide speculation that he may hang up his skates and retire. A 19-year veteran, Elias will turn 40 years old on April 13.