Devils Head Coach Benches and Punishes Nine-Million Dollar Star

Timo Meier, a talented forward for the San Jose Sharks who was a UFA at year's end, was acquired by the New Jersey Devils on February 26, 2023. The Devils acquired Timo Meier, Scott Harrington, prospects Timur Ibragimov, Santeri Hatakka, and Zach Emond. The San Jose Sharks received Andreas Johnsson, Fabian Zetterlund, prospects Shakir Mukhamadullin and Nikita Okhotiuk, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick with a conditional selection, and all of these players in return.

After being acquired, Meier scored 14 points in 21 games, nine of which were goals. Even though the Devils went to the second round of the 2022–23 playoffs, he only scored four points in 11 games, which was disappointing.

Meier has zero points, four shots, four hits, and six penalty minutes through three NHL games this year. In the first two games, he skated for 16:57 and 17:30 respectively. It was 11:26 in the third game against Florida. Many as a result of receiving the benching by head coach Lindy Ruff after committing two reckless penalties.

Given that he had five points in three preseason games and really seemed to be blending well with his line mates Nico Hischer and Alex Holtz. It is surprising to see his totals so low. Coach Ruff switched the top line to Meier-Hischer-Mercer once the season had begun, which might have disrupted the group's harmony.