- Czech Federation hired Devils icon Patrik Elias as GM of the men’s national team Wednesday
- Elias signed a two-year deal and joins head coach Zdenek Motak’s refreshed staff
- Read below for full details on Elias’s new role and the rest of the Czechia staff
Patrik Elias has a new title.
The Czech Ice Hockey Federation announced Wednesday that the New Jersey Devils‘ all-time leading scorer will run the men’s national team as general manager. Elias signed a two-year deal, replacing Jiri Slegr in the GM chair, and slots in alongside head coach Zdenek Motak.
Federation president Alois Hadamczik pushed for the hire, and his pitch leaned on the same thing every team that has chased Elias for a front-office role has leaned on: the Rolodex.
“Patrik is a respected personality not only in our country. He has a strong overview of players in the NHL and, thanks to his recent work in Czech hockey, also of domestic players. He possesses managerial skills that will benefit Czech hockey.”
This isn’t a cold start for Elias. He spent the last three seasons as a team consultant with HC Slavia Praha in the Czech Extraliga and worked as an assistant coach with Czechia’s U20 program from 2018 to 2020. Six years away from the federation, then back through the front door.
The rest of the staff fills out under Motak. Pavel Gross stays on as assistant. Richard Kral was added at Motak and Gross’s recommendation. Jaroslav Kames returns as goalie coach.
For Devils fans, this also reads as a resume play. Elias has been rumored as a future front-office hire in New Jersey for years, and running a national program is the kind of line that makes the conversation easier whenever it comes.
The career numbers still hit. Twenty seasons with the Devils, 1,240 regular-season games, 408 goals, 617 assists, 1,025 points. Franchise leader in goals, assists, and points. Two Stanley Cups in 2000 and 2003. Four-time All-Star. His No. 26 went to the rafters at Prudential Center in February 2018.
Check out the highlight reel on the player Czechia just hired to run its national team:
