The New Jersey Devils, after weeks of speculation, have traded for San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier. Obviously, this is outstanding news for them as they continue to develop the organization into a Stanley Cup contender.
This is a move that is going to help the New Jersey Devils right away. He joins countryman Nico Hischier along with other core members like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Dougie Hamilton on this team that is taking big steps.
Hischier also isn’t the only Swiss player that is ready to welcome Meier to the Devils either. Jonas Siegenthaler and Akira Schmid are both Swiss as well. The chemistry shouldn’t take long to be formed, especially between Hischier and Meier who played together at the World Championships.
It took a minute for the terms of the deal to come out. The Devils sent a 2023 first round pick, a conditional 2024 first, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Fabian Zetterlund, Andreas Johnsson, and Nikita Ohkotiuk to the Sharks to land Timo Meier. They also retained 50% on Meier.
Scott Harrington is coming to New Jersey as well. He is a depth defenseman that may or may not see NHL ice this season. With the need for depth on defense, it is nice to have him in the organization.
The Sharks aren’t getting any of Dawson Mercer, Alexander Holtz, Yegor Sharangovich, Luke Hughes, or Simon Nemec which is nice for the Devils. They gave up some good value but nothing that they can’t replace later on. Timo Meier is a New Jersey Devil.
League trade call is done. Timo Meier is officially a New Jersey Devil.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 27, 2023
Full trade now official. #NJDevils receive:
— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) February 27, 2023
Timo Meier (50% retained salary)
Scott Harrington#SJSharks receive:
Fabian Zetterlund
Andreas Johnsson
Nikita Ohotiuk
Shakir Mukhamadullin
2023 1st rounder
Conditional 2024 1st
The New Jersey Devils are adding Timo Meier to their already solid group.
This is an amazing move for New Jersey. They are already one of the best teams in the National Hockey League and they just added a guy who currently has 31 goals. He can score goals with elite shots, tips, and and hanging around the net.
Now the Devils have a top-six forward group that can compete with the best of them in the Eastern Conference. This gives them a really nice chance to make a deep run in the postseason.
The nice thing is, he is only an RFA after this season so there is a good chance he sticks with this team for a long time. At 26 years old, he fits in perfectly as a young veteran joining the team.
Even if this year is a “learning experience” in the playoffs, they will be expecting to make deep playoff runs every year after for a long time. They are truly building something special with this team. They can be good for a very long time.