NEWARK -- Devils forward Patrik Elias may have tipped his hand for the first time this season, and he appears to be leaning toward retirement.

Elias joined the Devils' radio broadcast before Friday's game against the Calgary Flames, and he said may not have the heart to play again, even if he can rehab his surgically repaired knee to the point where a return is possible.

"I don't want to play just for the sake of playing," Elias said on the broadcast.

Devils radio broadcaster Matt Loughlin also walked away with the impression that Elias may have played his final game.

Close to making a decision. Doesn't look like he's coming back. https://t.co/a0jFBLvcsz — Matt Loughlin (@MattLoug) February 4, 2017

Apparently, no decision has been made: Elias' stall remains occupied in the Devils' locker room, and he continues to skate and train on his own in Newark.

Elias played in just 16 games last season while dealing with injuries, but he did have a three-point outing in the Devils' season finale. Elias underwent knee surgery in May and has spent the 2016-17 season working on his own at the Devils' facility, attempting to determine if he could play again.

Coach John Hynes and general manager Ray Shero have been steadfast in their outlook on Elias from the start of training camp. The Devils were going to let Elias take his time to make his decision, and Hynes always expected it to fall to the second half of the season.

Elias would have to be signed to a contract by March 1 to be eligible to play with the Devils this season.

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.