Though he’s only been on the New Jersey Devils roster for a few months, forward Timo Meier is an asset to keep, according to the organization’s general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
• Also read: Lou Lamoriello would evict this loyal islander
• Also read: What will be the next big file for CH?
The 26-year-old player was traded from the San Jose Sharks in late February and is eligible for partial autonomy on July 1. The Devils would like to grant him a long-term contract. According to the website NHL.com on Wednesday, management will contact the agent of the client concerned – Claude Lemieux – to try a rapprochement with a view to a possible settlement, especially since he could test in the summer of 2024 for the first time in his career he entered the unrestricted free agent market.
The Swiss also risks defending his case in a wage arbitration case if the parties involved fail to reach an agreement in the coming weeks. It’s important for Fitzgerald to maintain good relations with the hockey player’s clan, who just signed a four-year, $24 million deal.
“Nothing would make us happier than giving him a long-term contract. That’s our goal. “Claude and I will discuss it,” explained the general manager. “I want them to understand what it’s like to be in New Jersey, a diamond in the rough, where there are so many positive elements: the organization, the travel, the life.” We want to give him the opportunity to settle down and hope he wants to stay here.”
“From the start, our goal has been to give him the opportunity to come here without feeling pressured by contract negotiations, so that he can integrate into the team and feel comfortable,” the leader explained to the same source.
Last season, Meier scored a total of 66 points, including 40 goals, in 78 games. He struggled more in the playoffs, although his team reached the second round. The winger was happy with two goals and just as many assists.