New Jersey Devils In Extension Talks With Star Forward

The New Jersey Devils gave up a lot in their blockbuster trade with the San Jose Sharks before the trade deadline. And their prized return delivered, after registering nine goals in 21 games. Now, Timo Meier is entering into extension talks this week with the Devils ahead of his pending restricted free agency on July 1st.

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald made it clear on where the team stands with the 40-goal scorer:

We would love nothing better to tie him up long term. That's our goal.

Meier was brought on board in a late February mutli-player deal with the San Jose Sharks along with Scott Harrington, Santeri Hatakka, and prospects Timur Ibragimov and Zachary Emond in exchange for Fabian Zetterlund, Andreas Johnsson, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Nikita Okhotiuk and several draft picks. 

Meier recorded 14 points in his 21 games in New Jersey, finishing the year with his first 40-goal campaign, after spending seven years with the Sharks. 

The power forward's output tailed off in the playoffs, with only four points in 11 games, but Fitzgerald isn't fazed by that. "It's really hard to come in and understand a new system," he said. "As a player, I've done it twice. It's really hard. Our system's hard too, the [defensive] zone, it's difficult to understand. And it takes some time. Coaches say it takes at least 20 games to get used to a system, so you evaluate your team after 20 games, right? And for sure it took some adjustment."

A $10M qualifying offer comes into effect as of July 1st, so the Devils would love to get something done in the next few weeks. 

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports