In a setback for the New Jersey Devils, dynamic forward Timo Meier will be absent from the lineup during their upcoming clash with the Washington Capitals in the nation’s capital. Head coach Lindy Ruff disclosed that Meier is nursing a “medium-body” injury, a consequence of his early departure from last Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins, where he did not return for the third period.
Ruff expressed optimism about Meier’s recovery, stating, “hopefully it shouldn’t be too long,” but indicated that the 27-year-old is currently undergoing further evaluation. This injury comes on the heels of Meier missing six games in November due to an undisclosed injury, a period during which the Devils faced challenges, losing four out of seven games.
Since joining the Devils from the San Jose Sharks in February of the previous year, Meier has played a crucial role in providing depth scoring for the youthful team. With an impressive track record of 66 points in 78 games last season, including contributions to the team’s journey to the second round, Meier has started the 2023-24 season with nine goals and six assists in 28 games.
⏰ IT'S TIMO TIME ⏰
— NHL (@NHL) December 28, 2023
Timo Meier nets the @Energizer overtime winner on a breakaway! pic.twitter.com/eYzPVncN1E
Despite his offensive prowess, Meier has predominantly been deployed on the third line alongside Michael McLeod and Dawson Mercer.
Over the last 10 games, only the top line of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Tyler Toffoli has logged more ice time together.
Following his return from the previous injury on December 1, Meier experienced a nine-game point drought before bouncing back with a flurry, netting four goals in a three-game span, the last of which came on December 27 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Meier, currently in the inaugural year of his eight-year contract with an AAV of $8.8 million, signed with the Devils in June.
As the Devils stand at 19-14-2, concluding 2023 on a positive note with three wins in their last four games, they are positioned sixth in the Metropolitan Division.
They trail the Philadelphia Flyers by three points for the third spot but are just one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the last Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference.
