Timo Time: Devils Acquire Timo Meier, Scott Harrington in Blockbuster Trade

Date: February 27, 2023

By: Justin Lotito

Robert Edwards/USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of rumors, it is official: Timo Meier is a New Jersey Devil via the San Jose Sharks.

Meier is a 25-year-old winger from Switzerland who already has existing chemistry with Devils’ captain Nico Hischier. This season, Meier has 31 goals and 51 points for a rebuilding Sharks squad.

Meier is a physical winger. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and weighs 220 pounds.

Timo Meier, acquired by NJ, is a top scoring winger, an elite driver of offensive possession and scoring chances with excellent hands and instincts in tight. A big player who doesn't shy away from physicality either. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/PvM7gP2kVk

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 26, 2023

To acquire the young star, New Jersey dealt defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, forward Fabian Zetterlund, forward Andreas Johnson, defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk, a 2023 first-round selection, and a 2024 conditional first-round selection.

Only one of the Devils’ trading chips was ranked inside their top 12 prospects, according to the Athletic. The Sharks will retain 50 percent of Meier’s salary for this season.

New Jersey managed to avoid trading top ranked prospects Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemec.

The focal point of the Devils’ package is Fabian Zetterlund. This season, the young forward accounted for six goals, 14 assists, and a solid plus/minus of four.

Along with Meier, the Devils will receive defenseman Scott Harrington, defenseman Santeri Hatakka, forward Timur Ibragimov, goalie Zach Emond, and Colorado’s 2024 fifth-round selection.

Harrington is considered the second most valuable asset in the deal. This season Harrington is responsible for one goal and six assists for a total of seven points. The expectation is that Harrington will be a solid depth piece for New Jersey.

Meier is considered a rental, as he is set to hit the market open market as an unrestricted free agent this season. He is projected to be paid around $10 million annually.

Timo Meier is just a brilliant NHL player.

He is going to mage beautiful magic with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

pic.twitter.com/1c3bXD7XHY

— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) February 27, 2023

This past month, Devils’ General Manager Tom Fitzgerald declared the Devils were ahead of schedule in terms of their rebuild. While Fitzgerald’s past does not indicate trading for rentals, the Devils success and excitement this season can explain the deal.

Another explanation for the blockbuster deal, could be due to the New York Rangers. The Rangers acquired Vladamir Taranseko via trade with the Blues, and are favorites to acquire Patrick Kane via the Blackhawks. To counter their rivals, fans speculated the Devils would make a big splash at the trade deadline.

The Devils currently sit three points behind the Hurricanes for the best record in the Metropolitan division. This trade indicates that New Jersey is not just complacent to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, their goal is on winning it.

The Devils face off against the defending champions the Colorado Avalanche this Wednesday; it remains to be seen if Meier will make his New Jersey debut then.

Justin Lotito can be reached at justin.lotito@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, NHL, New Jersey Devils