DALLAS— The numbers 3 and 4 already hang in the rafters of the Prudential Center honoring Ken Daneyko and Scott Stevens.

Very soon numbers 27 and 30, worn by Scott Niedermayer and Martin Brodeur, will also be retired.

It is fitting, perhaps, that the first four players honored in this manner by the Devils are three defensemen and a goalie. After all, the team has been known for its defense.

But what about the franchise's all-time scoring leader? Will the Devils eventually retire No. 26 to honor Patrik Elias, whose 800 career points are by far the most in the club's history? John MacLean ranks second with 701.

“No question about it, for the Stanley Cups he’s won and for the points he’s got,” Brian Rolston said. “I can speak to the player he is. He’s meant a lot to this franchise. He’s been a solid player for years.

“I’ve played with a lot of players. I’ve played with some of the best in the game and he’s one of the best I’ve ever played with. Upper echelon players have that little something that sets them apart and he’s got it.”

It was in Dallas almost 11 years ago, at the old Reunion Arena before the Stars moved into the current American Airlines Center, that Elias set up one of the biggest goals in Devils’ history. He assisted on Jason Arnott’s overtime goal that won the 2000 Stanley Cup.

“He made the play when Arnie scored that big goal,” Ilya Kovalchuk said. “He wins. And 800 points happen for a reason. He’s a skilled guy. I’m sure he’s going to get a lot more than 800.”

One thousand points is Elias’s goal. Had he not missed 68 games because of hepatitis-A, hip/groin surgery and a concussion in recent years, he’d be closer to that figure.

“Injuries are part of it. It’s a tough sport. Everybody goes through it,” Elias said. “Hopefully I can get another 200 here. To reach 800 is satisfying.”

Coach Jacques Lemaire has called Elias the Devils' best player this season, which is why he went to the All-Star Game.

“He’s an intelligent player,” Lemaire said. “When he’s healthy, he can do a lot of things. His mind is really good right now. He’s playing his best hockey.”

Elias is modest when it comes to talking about whether his number will be retired.

“You tell me,” he said. “I almost have 1,000 games here (he needs 62), so I’m proud of that. It would be something special, but I hope I get to play a few more years here.”

Brodeur thinks retiring No. 26 is a slam dunk.

“Oh, yes. I think when everything is said and done, he’ll be the top offensive guy the Devils will see,” the goalie said. “When you talk about the history of the franchise, he’s a big part if it.”

Rich Chere: rchere@starledger.com