James Nichols
The Czech Ice Hockey Federation announced on Wednesday that New Jersey Devils legend Patrik Eliáš has been appointed general manager of the men’s national team.
The executive committee approved the move on the recommendation of federation president Alois Hadamczik. Eliáš joins head coach Zdeněk Moták on a two-year contract.
Eliáš spent his entire 20-season NHL career with the Devils. Selected in the second round of the 1994 NHL Draft, he played 1,240 regular-season games, recording 408 goals and 617 assists for 1,025 points.
He ranks as the Devils’ all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and game-winning goals. Eliáš is a four-time NHL All-Star and captured Stanley Cup titles with New Jersey in 2000 and 2003.
Internationally, he earned Olympic bronze and two World Championship bronze medals with Czechia.
Following retirement in 2017, Eliáš transitioned into a coaching role. He served as an assistant coach for the Czech U20 team from 2018-19 to 2019-20.
For the past three seasons, he served as team consultant/advisor for HC Slavia Praha, gaining experience in team operations, player evaluation, and organizational leadership.
Czechia views his background, combined with his extensive NHL knowledge, positions him to identify and develop talent effectively.
Hadamczik emphasized Eliáš’ strengths: “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.”
The complete national team staff includes:
- Head Coach: Zdeněk Moták
- Assistant Coach: Pavel Gross
- Assistant Coach: Richard Král
- Goaltending Coach: Jaroslav Kameš
- General Manager: Patrik Eliáš
Richard Král was added as assistant coach at the recommendation of Moták and Gross.
Eliáš’ elevation to a prominent international role extends his influence on the sport and highlights his continued connection to Czech hockey development. From a Devils perspective, however, it certainly is notable, setting Eliáš up with experience to potentially earn a management role in the NHL, specifically in New Jersey in the future.
