NJD release

The New Jersey Devils announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent winger Timo Meier on an eight-year contract worth $70,400,000 with an annual average value of $8,800,000. The contract breakdown is as follows: 2023-24: $12,000,000; 2024-25: $11,100,000; 2025-26: $10,750,000; 2026-27: $7,750,000; 2027-28: $7,200,000; 2028-29: $7,200,000; 2029-30: $7,200,000; 2030-31: $7,200,000. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.

"We were excited to acquire Timo at the deadline, but it's an even greater feeling knowing that he'll be here for the next eight seasons," said Fitzgerald. "Timo's unique blend of style of play, goal-scoring ability, and physical presence will prove valuable for us. In talking with him, Timo realized, and I always believed, that this is the right place for him as a player and a person. We've locked up another piece of our young core that is looking to take that next step together for greater success."

Meier, 26, began his career with San Jose in 2016-17 and just completed his seventh NHL season. The 6-foot-1, 220lbs. forward earned 14 points (9g-5a) in 21 regular-season games with New Jersey and registered a career-high 40 goals and 17 power-play goals for the entire 2022-23 campaign. Meier's 17 power-play goals were tied for the eighth most in the NHL this season, and he was one of 19 NHL players who earned 40, or more, goals. Additionally, Meier recorded a career-high 323 shots on goal, which was tied for the sixth most in the League. Meier made his Devils' debut on Mar. 5 at Arizona, and his 42 hits since that time ranked first on New Jersey.

Meier made his fourth postseason appearance, his first with the Devils, and tallied four points (2g-2a) in 11 games played. He also led New Jersey with 37 hits for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

New Jersey initially acquired Meier via trade from the Sharks in exchange for forwards Andreas Johnsson and Fabian Zetterlund, defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Nikita Okhotiuk, a second and seventh-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a conditional first-round draft pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Devils also acquired Timur Ibragimov, defensemen Scott Harrington, Santeri Hatakka, goaltender Zachary Emond and a fifth-round pick (originally Colorado's selection) in the 2024 NHL Draft in the trade.

NJ will be a powerhouse for the next decade

It's sure looking like it.