TAMPA BAY (OTHL) -- Patrik Elias was one of the most after sought free agents on the market this season, but before the UFA market even got under way the 30 year old winger decided to remain in Florida. Elias who is 16th on the OTHL all-scoring list with 147 points in 155 games, signed a 4 year deal to stay with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Last season the high powered winger scored 38 goals and had 84 points as he helped Tampa to a 45-31-6 record.
"I tought about testing the free agent market, but when Tampa presented me with this contract and the fact that I was not really prepared to move again, I decided to stay here. I want to help Tampa Bay with the championship and I think we have a general manager and a team that can get it done. I am very happy to stay here for four more years." - Patrik Elias said from his off-season home in the Czech Republic.
There are also some rumors that fellow top unrestricted free agent Niklas Lidström will re-sign with the Philadelphia Flyers after getting a top offer from the Flyers.
List of players that will become unrestricted free agents October 18th