San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier could be one of the most in-demand names on the trade market as we inch closer to the deadline, and potential suitors for his services are starting to become clearer. On TSN’s Insider Trading program, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun revealed that he had interviewed New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald and that in the interview Fitzgerald confirmed the Devils’ interest in acquiring a top-six winger.
On Insider Trading, LeBrun added that Meier would “fit exactly what the Devils want” in a top-six forward, especially given that there is the potential for any team acquiring Meier to retain him beyond just this season. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta noted that the Devils have not had any recent contract talks with pending RFA winger Jesper Bratt and his representatives. While Pagnotta did clarify that the Devils and Bratt still have a mutual interest in getting an extension hammered out, it is fair to wonder what kind of implications the team’s interest in Meier could have on Bratt’s future in New Jersey.
Some other notes from across the NHL:
- LeBrun also spoke on Insider Trading about Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan. LeBrun reported that the Colorado Avalanche are a “team to monitor” when it comes to a potential trade fit for the veteran pivot. The Avalanche have long been rumored to be seeking help down the middle and could opt for the injured Monahan, who has scored 17 points in 25 games in Montreal, as a cheaper option than higher-end choices such as Ryan O’Reilly or Bo Horvat.
- On Insider Trading, Johnston also issued an update on St. Louis Blues forward Ivan Barbashev. He reported that Barbashev “is a name that has started to circulate” on the trade market, even though the Blues are still holding out some hope that they could go on a run that would put them back into the playoff mix. The 27-year-old forward is an unrestricted free agent after this season and has scored 23 points in 48 games. While that points production doesn’t jump off the page, it’s worth remembering that Barbashev scored 26 goals and 60 points just a year ago.
Monahan is a 3rd line center that can’t stay healthy.
Barbashev is a solid trade piece.
Worth a 2nd for sure. Maybe a late 1st. Boston could use a versatile kid like him for a push.
There’s no way, if I’m in Sweeney’s shoes, I’m giving up a 1st or a 2nd rounder for a rental who’s producing at (barely) a third-line level … heck, Barbashev is barely outscoring Foligno. I think we can all stipulate that Boston’s playing well over their heads this year — how many pundits predicted they’d miss the playoffs altogether, let alone threaten to have the best season in NHL history? — and Sweeney’s paramount goal has to be not to mess up the chemistry in the locker room.
Then you have the Bruins’ serious cap crunch, and while Barbashev sure has a team-friendly cap hit, he just doesn’t move the needle enough to be worth the trouble.
Holtz and Nemec for Meier, who says no?
SJ would jump all over that! NJ is gonna need those ELC’s in the near future, so it is best to only give them Holtz and some salary back with a pick.
They arent getting Meier without giving up Nemec, Hughes or Bratt. And it will be a pick and prospect on top of that.
There’s wilf spouting his infinite wisdom again.
Send mukhamadullin and holtz for meier. Throw them a pick too. Keep Bratt and keep working on signing him long term. It would be awfully nice to have both.