Timo Meier and the Devils to begin negotiations this week

Timo Meier isn’t necessarily my favorite player, but he’s definitely one of a group of players I really like.

What attracts me to his game? Definitely the quality of his delivery. It’s his best weapon and has been since he started playing in the QMJHL. Meier is a good goal scorer, as evidenced by his 40 goals in 22-23 with the Sharks and Devils.

The Devils picked him up from San Jose at the trade deadline, and although he hasn’t necessarily had as much success with his new team as he’d hoped, the New Jersey outfit already likes him a lot.

Tom Fitzgerald has reiterated his desire to keep him in town for a long time to come, and to do so, Meier will have to sign a new contract this summer, as he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1.

Negotiations between the two sides are not yet at an advanced stage, and Meier and the Devils have not even discussed a new contract. But according to Fitzgerald, the process should begin no later than this week.

It’s worth remembering that if the Devils fail to agree on a long-term deal with the player this summer, thequalifying offer to retain his RFA rights for one more season is…

10 million dollars.

The Devils, according to Cap Friendly data, will have just over $34 million to spend this summer. But…

Right now, the team only has 12 players signed for next year. There’s still lots and lots of work to be done, especially with Jesper Bratt expected to break the bank after collecting 73 points in his last two NHL seasons.

Tom Fitzgerald will certainly have his work cut out for him. But he seems to have a clear plan in mind, and that plan is Timo Meier.

I’d like the Devils to be able to sign Meier AND Bratt long-term, because they’re really exciting to watch when all the pieces are healthy. But it might be harder than I thought…

Because, again, let’s not forget that only 12 players have a contract for next season. If Meier and Bratt both end up with big contracts, which technically they should…

Fitzgerald’s hands will be tied afterwards to build his club. I think we can all agree that this is an issue that will be really interesting to follow in the coming weeks.

Breaking news

– It was expected. Players’ health and safety come first.

– Well done.

We are proud to announce that @DavidJiricek has been named to @TheAHL inaugural Top Prospects Team 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/qsFGIvOsb2

– Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) June 7, 2023

– Zach Whitecloud writes articles on his Stanley Cup Finals blog… And I have to admit, it’s pretty interesting.

https://twitter.com/NHLdotcom/status/1666542773611163648

– It’s coming faster than you think.