NEWARK -- It could be a while before the Devils have another ceremony like the one on Tuesday night, when all the greats from franchise history gather to hang No. 30 in the Prudential Center rafters.

Oh, there will be one -- or should be one -- in the coming seasons to honor team architect Lou Lamoriello, who is busy making trades in his new role as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But players?

While the Devils built their identity on defense, Elias was a great two-way player who also cracked the 1,000-point plateau. The closest in franchise history to his 1,022 and counting? John MacLean, who had 701 with the team.

His career numbers could have, without question, been higher had Elias looked to play for a team that preferred a more wide-open style. But, like Brodeur, he wanted to stay with the team that drafted him and played a key role in two of its three Stanley Cup championships.

"Hopefully, it'll come soon enough for him when he decides to hang 'em up," Brodeur said. "Patrik was a pretty special player. He had some great years for us offensively, holds most of the records also, and is a true Devil. He's another guy who lives and breaths New Jersey."

Steve Politi may be reached at spoliti@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevePoliti. Find Steve on Facebook.