Meier Contract Viewed as Regrettable for Devils
New Jersey's eight-year, $70.4 million deal for Timo Meier is drawing criticism as his production has declined this season.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Hockey
The New Jersey Devils signed Timo Meier to an eight-year, $70.4 million contract in June 2023, a deal now viewed as regrettable. Meier has recorded a 1-4-5 line in 16 games this season after joining New Jersey from the San Jose Sharks.
Why it matters
The contract represents a significant long-term commitment for a player whose output has dropped since arriving in New Jersey. The deal's value will weigh on the team's roster flexibility over its full term.
Meier has recorded 1 goal, 4 assists and 5 points in 16 games this season, after a career-high 40 goals split between the Devils and Sharks in 2023-24. He has reached the 30-goal plateau twice in his career, but his current pace is well below that output.
The players
Timo Meier
Timo Meier is a Swiss forward in his 11th NHL season who was selected ninth overall by San Jose in 2015.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are an NHL franchise based in New Jersey that competes in the Metropolitan Division.
The details
Meier was acquired by the Devils from San Jose in February 2023 and signed the eight-year extension in June 2023. The Devils, ranked second in the Metropolitan Division at 11-5-0, defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in their latest game.
Timeline
2015: San Jose selected Meier ninth overall in the NHL draft.
February 2023: The Devils acquired Meier from San Jose in a trade.
June 2023: Meier signed the eight-year, $70.4 million contract with New Jersey.
Season Trajectory
The Devils rank second in the Metropolitan Division behind the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead at 13-3-2. Meier's diminished output at the midpoint of his contract matters because New Jersey's competitive position depends on secondary scoring from players on large deals.
Fantasy managers weighing Meier's roster spot should note his 1-4-5 line in 16 games this season. The contract's length means the player's trajectory will affect New Jersey's cap flexibility for several seasons.
The takeaway
Contract decisions made on the basis of a player's peak output carry risk when production later declines, and teams should weigh that exposure before committing to long terms.
What happens next
The Devils are scheduled to face the Islanders on Saturday, Nov. 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont.
Further reading
Explore more hockey coverage for context on player contracts and team standings across the league.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
