The New Jersey Devils made the big trade ahead of the deadline. Timo Meier was the best player on the block, and Tom Fitzgerald found a way to get it done. He has been a great general manager over the last two years, but this might be his best move yet.
There are some picks, prospects, and NHL-caliber players going back to San Jose in a rather large package. Somehow, the Devils didn’t move any of their big prospects or roster players. Meier is going to fit into the lineup with ease. In fact, there are multiple very good options for him.
Now, the Devils have a team as good as any in the Eastern Conference. They are one of many great groups that are going to be competing for the Stanley Cup this spring, but they are giving themselves a chance now that they made this move.
Both Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are going to get a crack at Meier as this team works him into the lineup. Either one of those centers will be great for him, and they are both upgrades over what he had in San Jose.
Timo Meier will fit in perfectly anywhere in the New Jersey Devils lineup.
With that said, there is one move that makes the most sense based on the styles of play in addition to chemistry created in the past. This is the perfect healthy lineup with Timo Meier in it:
Tatar – Hischier – Meier
Sharangovich – Hughes – Bratt
Palat – Haula – Mercer
Wood – McLeod – Bastian
Some people want Meier to play with Jack Hughes because Hughes is slightly more productive offensively than Hischier. However, Hischier and Meier have already created chemistry when playing for Team Swiss at the World Championships.
They are a natural fit together in New Jersey. In addition to that, Hischier might be able to see even more offense brought out of him with a player like Timo Meier. This would be a solid line for both of them.
Keeping Yegor Sharangovich and Jesper Bratt with Jack Hughes is a smart idea because Hughes and Bratt are a great duo. Add a sniper like Sharangovich, and you have yourself a very good line there.
On the third line, Dawson Mercer is technically demoted, but he has shown the ability to drive offense on a line. With Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat, who are both very good veterans, this could round out a prolific top-nine.
The trio known as the BMW line includes Nathan Bastian, Michael McLeod, and Miles Wood. They have had their ups and downs, but on a deep team, they can make an impact. Jesper Boqvist and Alexander Holtz can be extra forwards if needed.
On defense, everything stays pretty much the same at this point. Kevin Bahl’s game has been solid lately, so he should be getting the nod over Brendan Smith. It won’t be long before Simon Nemec, and Luke Hughes are a part of this group.
Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood are the goaltenders when healthy. Blackwood is on Injured Reserve so Akira Schmid is up with the team. To be honest, he is a great option in net as well.
The depth that Timo Meier helps create at the forward position is really great. Fabian Zetterlund, along with some of the other players going to San Jose, is going to be missed but this trade had to happen for the Devils.