Eastern Conference team emerging as clear favorite to land Timo Meier
The NHL Trade Deadline is scheduled for March 3rd and teams have begun to zero in on their top targets. The top target heading into this year's deadline appears to be Timo Meier.
NHL Reporter Elliotte Friedman reports that the New Jersey Devils are one of the frontrunners in acquiring San Jose forward Timo Meier. Meier and the Sharks have not agreed to a contract extension and San Jose would like to get some draft choices and prospects for him if he is not going to stay. Meier is in the final year of his contract that pays him six million dollars. However Meier would still be a restricted free agent meaning the Sharks could have some leverage to keep him. It does not seem like that is going to happen though as a deal with Meier has not been made. Even if the Sharks were to keep Meier, they would have to get creative with roster due to salary cap constraints.
It makes a lot of sense why New Jersey would be interested in Meier. They are a good young hockey team that will be dangerous to play against in the playoffs this season. Adding Timo Meir would give the Devils a solid top nine forwards in the playoffs. Meier style of play would fit in well with New Jersey, a good goal scoring winger. New Jersey can afford to part with some picks or prospects should they choose to acquire Meier.
Beyond this season it's tough to know how things play out for Meier or where he signs long term. He clearly will want a bump from the six million per season that he is already making. New Jersey could sign him to a long -term deal but, they likely have to say goodbye to other free agents that the club has. Perhaps the Devils would evaluate Meier's play throughout the playoffs to decide if they want him in their long term plans. In fifty one games this season, Meier has twenty eight goals and twenty assists.
| POLL | ||
Where will Timo Meier be traded to? | ||
| New Jersey Devils | 29 | 34.9 % |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 26 | 31.3 % |
| Boston Bruins | 9 | 10.8 % |
| Other | 19 | 22.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
