As we approach the trade deadline, there are a lot of key names to watch for. The dominos have already begun to fall as both Bo Horvat and Vladimir Tarasenko have found new homes. With those two high-profile forwards off the market, the attention now shifts to one player in particular. A Timo Meier trade is on the horizon and there are two teams are the forefront for his services.
Two Teams Neck-and-Neck For Timo Meier
Rumour: Two Metropolitan Division teams are the favourite to land Timo Meier
With both the New York Islanders and New York Rangers making bold moves, two more division rivals are aiming to do the same. With the division tightly contested and the margin for points so little, getting better is not a bad thing to put you over the edge. The two teams that are neck and neck for his services are the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts podcast, mentioned (23 minute mark) that if anyone has offers in that New Jersey wants to be able to top it and have the final say.
Timo Meier currently carries a cap hit of $6 million and has a qualifying offer of $10 million this off-season. An extension would most likely factor in, but which team has the edge for bringing him in?
The Teams In On Timo Meier Trade
Carolina Hurricanes
A Timo Meier trade makes sense for both teams. With the injury to winger Max Pacioretty, there is an open place for him on the roster. The biggest thing for them was getting added scoring and with him gone the void for scoring is present. In addition, his being placed on LTIR it has given the team financial flexibility. With the club having $10 million to spend, they have the finances to bring him in. Despite being a contending team, Carolina has a deep prospect pool, which bodes well for a Sharks team in rebuild mode. The biggest hurdle would be extending him long-term, but that’s something to worry about later on. Meier fits a need and would fit the style that Rod Brind’Amour likes to play.
New Jersey Devils
In addition to what Friedman said on 32 Thoughts re: Meier, he also adds the #NJDevils are getting asked about their defense prospects.
Mentioned Walsh, Mukhamadullin, Okhotiuk. Doesn’t know if NJ will trade one, but he does know they’re getting asked about them
— Alex Chauvancy (@AlexC_THW) February 10, 2023
Tom Fitzgerald has tried in the past to lure a top six winger to the Garden State. Even with the addition of Ondrej Palat, the need for a top-six winger still remains. A Timo Meier trade fits the bill and the team has the finances to lock him into an extension. Meier is an elite power forward who is also a pure scorer. Not only would he bring a blend of physicality to the lineup, but he would also provide a boost of scoring. Pairing an elite winger with superstar centre Jack Hughes would do wonders as the team is poised to make the playoffs. In addition, they have the prospects to package to bring him in as well.
Main Photo: Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
