The New York Post reports that the New Jersey Devils have signed forward Patrik Elias to his one-year qualifying offer of $4.18 million US.
If Elias and the Devils do not negotiate a long-term deal this season, the 29-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Recovering from Hepatitis A, Elias is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. His salary could be deductible from the payroll under the long-term injury provision that requires players to miss at least 10 games. Once he returns, his salary would count against the cap.
As it stands, Elias' salary puts the Devils' payroll at about $44 million US, which is $5 million over the league's salary cap.
Elias was set to make $5.5 million US in the cancelled 2004-05 season.
Elias has led the Devils in scoring five times, and has 207 goals and 459 points in 558 games.