Elias played 14:50 over 20 shifts in his first game of the season Wednesday night, the North Jersey Record reports. He spent 5:32 on the power play.
Elias didn't dent the scoresheet, but did get two shots on goal and had two other attempts. "I thought it was a good first game for Patrik to come back," Devils coach John Hynes said. "He looked good. He looked quick. I thought he was really smart the way he managed his shifts. He didn't overextend himself, he got a little bit of special teams action (and had a) strong work ethic. For being off that long and the time he put in, he looked pretty good out there tonight."