If they aren’t careful, the New Jersey Devils could run out of time to capture the best player available at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. There are three reasons why they should move heaven and earth to acquire forward Timo Meier before the window slams shut on Friday 3 March, with on- and off-ice factors to consider.
Why should the New Jersey Devils acquire forward Timo Meier?
It’s no secret that the New Jersey Devils have been after Timo Meier for a while, the potential trade has been in the news for months. But they aren’t the only team interested in the San Jose Sharks forward.
The Carolina Hurricanes are also in the race for the 26-year-old, who has produced 52 points (31 goals, 21 assists) in 57 appearances this season.
Meier has always recorded impressive numbers as a professional. In his first full season with San Jose, he posted 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists) in the regular season and carried his impact into the playoffs as a rookie.
Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks (Image: NHL)
The Herisau-born skater has already surpassed the 60-point plateau twice in his career and is set to repeat the trick a third time this term.
While Meier is ‘only’ 6’0”, he plays with the physicality of a power forward. He dominates puck battles, can be trusted in a variety of roles, and boasts a wicked shot.
But why should the Devils make the pending restricted free agent their number-one priority ahead of the deadline?
Reason 1: New Jersey Devils are almost elite already, adding Timo Meier elevates them further
The New Jersey Devils are already almost an elite team and they will jump to the next level if they add Timo Meier at the trade deadline.
The Devils are 37-14-5 on the season, which places them second in the Metropolitan Division, and four of their players have already hit the 50-point mark.
Related: 2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking top 3 players teams should target
Jack Hughes has been otherworldly this term, with 69 points (35 goals, 34 assists) in 52 appearances to his name. While the American has always been an elite skater, offseason development of his shot release has elevated him into the world-class bracket.
In Dougie Hamilton, the Devils also have a lowkey candidate for the Norris Trophy on their books. The Canadian owns one of the heaviest shots in the sport, with 54 points (16 goals, 38 assists) in 56 appearances from the blueline.
If the Devils add Meier to their roster, it will remove any doubt about their ‘contender’ status.
Reason 2: New Jersey Devils have the assets required to acquire Timo Meier
The New Jersey Devils have all the assets they need to execute a trade with the San Jose Sharks for Timo Meier.
Per NBC Sports, the Sharks would like a first-round pick, a highly-regarded prospect, and an established roster player in return for Meier.
While the acquisition cost is steep, the Devils have the assets to make it work.
Shakir Mukhamadullin is a highly-touted prospect who has shown promise as a defenseman in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Shakir Mukhamadullin, Team Russia (Image: IIHF)
At 6-foot-4, he possesses good size for his position, which is always seen as a valuable asset in North America. His ability to contribute offensively is also important, as evidenced by the 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) he has recorded as a 21-year-old KHL’er.
It would be very difficult for the Sharks to reject an approach from New Jersey if Mukhamadullin is packaged with a first-round pick and a roster player.
Reason 3: Timo Meier would transform the New Jersey Devils’ international appeal
Timo Meier would complete an already impressive New Jersey Devils attack, but his impact wouldn’t be limited to the ice.
If the Devils acquire Meier, it would see him reunited with international teammate Nico Hischier, who wears the ‘C’ for New Jersey.
Their familiarity would help Meier find his stride quickly in New Jersey, which would boost the team down the stretch and prepare them for success in the playoffs.
Timo Meier: Power Moves Only 💪 pic.twitter.com/6gO1Qufx5e
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 15, 2023
Adding Meier would also increase the Devils’ brand awareness in Switzerland and across Europe.
New Jersey is already well-liked in the Alps, and introducing another prominent player from the region would help the franchise expand its fanbase even further.
While the Devils will be judged for their performances on the ice, it wouldn’t hurt them – as a team in with the New York Rangers and New York Islanders on their doorstep – to broaden their appeal overseas.
Should the New Jersey Devils trade for Timo Meier? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
