Timo Meier And New Jersey Devils 5 Greatest In-Season Trades Of All Time

Timo Meier #28 of the San Jose Sharks is knocked down during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Timo Meier #28 of the San Jose Sharks is knocked down during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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The New Jersey Devils just finished one of the biggest trades in franchise history. Timo Meier goes on a long list of great moves by the franchise.

It was a long and stressful process, but in the end it was worth it. The New Jersey Devils got Timo Meier, by far the best player on the NHL Trade Market, thanks to his impact on the team and contract status. They traded a haul in terms of quantity. They traded two picks, one a first-rounder in this year’s NHL Draft and one that could turn into a first-rounder in 2024 if the Devils make the Eastern Conference Finals.

It’s already one of the best trades the Devils ever made in the middle of the season. If Meier signs an extension, it will be even better. Right now, we have it ranked fifth in all-time midseason NHL trades, but it very well could become the top.

New Jersey Devils
San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28): Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

5. Timo Meier Time

The New Jersey Devils got the guy. It’s an amazing feeling for fans. The Devils are now one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup after getting the prize of the NHL Trade Deadline. Meier makes them as good as anyone.

Ironically, this trade puts more pressure on Vitek Vanecek to perform in the playoffs. With this stacked of a roster, and a Hudson River Rivalry facing us in the postseason, it might come down to which goalie can steal games. When we’re looking at Vanecek versus Igor Shesterkin, it all depends on who is the hot goalie.

That’s beyond the point. Right now, Meier is a fantastic addition. He hasn’t even played a game, and the fanbase is through the roof excited. As time goes on, this trade will only get better. If the Devils are able to re-sign Meier, which seems likely, this trade could immediately jump to the top of the list. For now, let’s take a look at the rest of the top five.