3. Timo Meier
This is probably a projection, but Timo Meier is in a space where he has to live up to a massive contract. The players who do usually live up to those contracts are always kept in positive mind throughout their careers. For every Jeff Skinner, there’s a Patrick Kane. For every Seth Jones, there’s a Roman Josi. Kane and Josi are likely Hall of Famers. Jones and Skinner will get forgotten after the first ballot they are on (unless something drastic changes).
Meier has been really good. He hit his career high last season with 40 goals. He had 35 goals the season before. That makes three 30-goal seasons under his belt at 26 years old. He does have some catching up to do. Meier’s 330 points in 472 games is slightly short for what a Hall of Famer needs.
Keith Tkachuk has 538 goals and is not in the Hall. If Meier finishes his career mostly known as a scorer, he needs to get closer to 550. If Meier plays until he’s 39 years old, he would need to average 30 goals per season to hit that number.
This one needs some real work. Meier has to be great his entire prime. He needs to avoid all injuries. It’s a big ask, but it can happen. Being next to Hughes or Hischier might help Meier get there.