Report: Devils LW Elias sues former agents

May 12, 2007 - 12:45 AM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Patrik Elias apparently is not someone to let things slide.

Citing undisclosed sources, TSN of Canada reported Friday that the New Jersey Devils captain filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against former agents Mark Gandler and Todd Diamond of International Sports Advisors Co.

According to TSN, the documents were filed Thursday in New Jersey Federal Court. Elias reportedly accuses the duo with fraud, embezzlement, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of United States Federal Securities Laws.

The Hockey News, which is reporting the suit is for $2 million plus punitive damages, attorney fees and other costs incurred in the litigation, obtained a copy of Elias' complaint. The two-time All-Star reportedly was convinced to invest money in two restaurants but claims Gandler and Diamond instead put the funds in a pair of limited liability corporations they organized.

Elias also alleges ISA manager Martin Stioukal withdrew nearly 60 percent of the $1 million the player had deposited in a checking account at HVB Bank in his native Czech Republic without an explanation.

"Despite repeated requests for full accounting, ISA and Stioukal have refused to account for the missing funds," Elias' lawyers said in the complaint.

In addition, Elias claims Diamond advised him to purchase $30 million in life insurance - with $2.5 million premiums over five years - as an investment when he was just 24 years old.

The veteran left wing, who has not employed Gandler and Diamond for several years, is being represented by San Francisco-based lawyer Ed King, a specialist in cases in which professional athletes sue their representatives. Among King's clients in former NBA superstar center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

A second-round pick in 1994, Elias has spent his entire NHL career with the Devils, registering 244 goals and 329 assists in 671 games. The 31-year-old led the team in scoring this past season with 69 points - including 21 tallies - and added a goal and nine assists in 10 playoff contests.