The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Timo Meier in a big deal from the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
To get their hands on Meier, the Devils traded a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 conditional first-round pick, forward Andreas Johansson and prospects Shakir Mukhamadullin, Fabian Zetterlund and Nikita Okhotiuk.
In return, the Devils get Meier, defenseman Scott Harrington, and prospects Timur Ibragimov, Santeri Hatakka and Zachary Émond.
Meier could become a restricted free agent at the end of the campaign and he could earn 10 million next season. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald expects to be able to sign Meier to a long-term contract.
The 26-year-old Swiss native Meier has 31 goals and 21 assists in 57 games this season.
He’ll join the Devils in a run for the playoffs after the Rangers and Greater New York-area rivals Islanders made moves to improve their roster.
Fitzgerald said his focus was on what he can do to improve his team.
For his part, Sharks general manager Mike Grier seemed to realize that the price to pay to keep Meier did not fit with the Sharks’ future plans.