The New Jersey Devils have secured forward Timo Meier for the foreseeable future. The team announced Wednesday that they inked an eight-year, $70.4 million contract extension with the all-star forward.
Meier joined the Devils just in time for their playoff push this past February. In a major trade with the San Jose Sharks, Meier joined New Jersey. San Jose sent Meier, who was in the last season of a four-year deal to New Jersey while keeping 50% of his cap hit. In exchange, San Jose received four players and three draft choices in return.
IT’S T(IMO)-SHIRT TIME 😈
Timo Meier has signed an eight-year contract with the @NJDevils! pic.twitter.com/43DHDeIAnG
— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2023
The deal was initially praised by many, but also criticized by those who felt it carried a lot of risk. Meier was poised to become a free agent on July 1. His $10 million qualifying offer meant that the Devils would have to cough up the inflated price for an additional season, release him, or, ideally, sign him to a long-term contract. Devils General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald was able to make the team’s long-term plans with Meier a possibility.
Meier’s short time with the Devils saw nine goals and 14 points in the team’s remaining 21 regular season games. During 11 postseason games, the 26-year-old forward was able to contribute two goals and four points. Sadly, as we know, the Devils weren’t able to get the job done this year and were sent home by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Meier’s new contract comes at a time when Fitzgerald and the Devils are working on locking up a young core of talent for the long term. In June, forward Jesper Bratt and the team agreed to an eight-year, $63 million extension. Defenseman Erik Haula was also extended for three years and an AAV of $3.15 million. Additional trades for future draft picks and current players were made, including a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets for a third-round pick in 2023.
Timo Meier
Nico Hischier
Jesper Bratt
Jack Hughes
Dougie Hamilton
Ondrej Palat
Tyler ToffoliOf these, only Dougie Hamilton hits the 9M AAV. He’s the highest.
Everyone else below.
Think about that.
Something special is brewing and they know it. #NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) June 29, 2023
The first round of the draft happened on June 28, but the Devils did not receive a pick. However, the Devils are seemingly in good shape, and will be for a while. Fitzgerald has successfully locked up a core of young and veteran talent, for a discount—leaving them with $10 million of salary cap space to work with still for 2023. Young phenom Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and more have been secured for the future, with only defenseman Dougie Hamilton’s contract sailing north of $9 million per year. Fans are rightfully excited for the future of New Jersey hockey.
When asked about potentially taking an extension that is less than he is worth, Meier said, “I mean, you always want more, right? For me, I always want to win… You take less for that.”
San Jose was reportedly ready to offer Meier over $9 million AAV to return, so Meier truly does believe in the Devils’ vision. New Jersey is just where he wants to be.
“I considered everything and I realized that (New Jersey) is the place I want to be. It’s the place I want to win a Stanley Cup.” – Timo Meier, #NJDevils
Said he took time to reflect after the season, and trusted his gut.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) June 29, 2023
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
