The Devils are fortifying their offense, getting some help for the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier ahead of the 2023 NHL trade deadline. On Sunday, a report indicated that New Jersey was on the verge of acquiring star forward Timo Meier from the Sharks in a blockbuster deal.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Meier is headed to the Devils, pending the official trade call and subsequent physical, in a deal that will help solidify New Jersey as a true Stanley Cup contender.
San Jose’s sharpshooting 26-year-old was one of the most sought-after players on the trade market ahead of the March 3 deadline, and the Devils secured themselves a major contributor on both ends of the ice by bringing in Meier.
The exact return for the Sharks has not yet been reported. Additionally, LeBrun indicates that Meier, who is a restricted free agent after this season, does not have an agreed-upon contract extension with New Jersey. Thus, the Devils are taking something of a risk in trading for him without a long-term agreement in place.
New Jersey currently sits in second place in the Metropolitan Division, with 83 points (39-15-5) in 59 games. Its 208 goals are the most in the division, and they figure to get another big influx of scoring with the acquisition of Meier.
In 57 games this season, Meier has 31 goals and 52 points, including 13 goals on the power play. He also plays physically, registering 112 hits this season and 504 dating back to the 2019–20 season.
It's a huge move for the Devils, who solidified themselves as contenders by securing one of the market's top trade targets.
