According to Pierre LeBrun, the front runners are the Devils and Hurricanes, with the Jets, Flames, Leafs very interested, and I'm sure others. He reported the Devils will be looking to make the trade for the long haul, while the Hurricanes are willing to get Meier as rental/future, they don't care at this point allegedly, as long as they get him.

I think the Devils will be able to make the best offer regardless, maybe Carolina if they decide they can part with Morrow, a good young forward, and a 1st. But since the Devils are reported to be interested in doing this deal with extension in mind, they'll likely be willing to give up the best return to SJS in exchange for Grier granting the opportunity for NJ to talk turkey with Meier's camp.

Agreed, but either way, unfortunately this deal won't get it done for my Leafs.

Yep, I could have added that, but implied instead. That 50% retention would need a wee sweetener too .. just because.

Current asking price for Meier last I heard was a prospect, NHLer, and a 1st. I think Niemelä and Kerfoot cover that pretty well, and the 2nd is for the 50% retention.
Can always add another pick though.

As in A prospect aka Knies. Nobody’s getting Meier without giving an A prospect so keep dreaming

Only hang up with NJ is they want a long term deal in place. From what it sounds like Carolina and Wpg are okay without one in place

Where did you see it has to be an A tier prospect? Just curious.

Lol if the Canes offer Morrow, NJ offers Holtz or the jets offer Heinola and Lucius/rutger you ain’t getting Meier for Topi Kerfoot and late picks

We call that delusion

But NJ has a great young core and it's close to NY City. A young guy would love that. Long term deals in places like CAR and WPG are tougher to sell unless they are set for long term winning. Both have great teams, but question marks.

Which means NJ may miss out if Meier doesn’t want to re sign right of way. I agree he has the best chance to sign there but there’s no guarantee he agrees at the TDL. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to CAR or WPG instead

Simply put, in order to get a player of Timo Meier's caliber, it has to be better than Niemela and Kerfoot... notwithstanding the 1st round pick needs to be a 2023 just because it's a better draft... hey, Niemela might be a good enough prospect, but if he is the prospect, it needs to be better than Kerfoot as the NHL'er heading back. He's a good player, but he is a UFA anyway and even if he does re-sign with the Sharks, he won't be a guy benefiting their re-build except as a veteran presence for young guys. Not enough to get Meier in my opinion.

Fair point.