Overview
- The Czech Ice Hockey Federation appointed Patrik Eliáš as men’s national team general manager on a two-year contract, announced on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
- Eliáš will work with a confirmed coaching staff led by head coach Zdeněk Moták and including assistants Pavel Gross and Richard Král plus goaltending coach Jaroslav Kameš.
- The federation cited Eliáš’s NHL career and scouting knowledge as reasons for the hire; he played 1,240 NHL games and recorded 1,025 points across a 20-season career with the New Jersey Devils.
- In his GM role Eliáš will focus on player identification, roster construction and team operations for imminent events such as the IIHF World Championship.
- The job builds on Eliáš’s recent coaching and advisory work in Czech hockey and gives him front-office experience that media say could help him pursue future club or NHL management roles.