Timo Meier returns to Devils after mysterious leave of absence
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
The New Jersey Devils announced that forward Timo Meier has returned to the team after taking a leave of absence to deal with a family health matter of which no further details were provided.
The New Jersey Devils have been shorthanded for most of the season, including key absences from players like Jack Hughes.
They also recently didn't have forward Timo Meier available to them, as he departed from the team to attend to a personal family health matter, of which no further details were provided.
But the Devils have announced that Meier is back, and in a corresponding move, have sent forward Xavier Parent and defenseman Calen Addison down to the American Hockey League affiliate Utica Comets before the NHL roster freeze took effect.
Parent played five games for the Devils during his time when he was called up to fill in for Meier.
Meier originally took the leave of absence on December 11.
Timo Meier Took A Personal Leave From The Devils
Meier, who was originally taken with the ninth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, was traded to the Devils in 2023 in a multi-player trade.
Months later, Meier signed an eight year contract to remain in a Devils sweater with an AAV (average annual value) of $8,800,000.
So far this year, Meier has 23 points (11G, 12A) in 30 games played, and is on pace for 61 points.
Even without players like Meier and Hughes, the Devils have managed to maintain a favorable position in the Metropolitan Division standings with 41 points, six points behind the first place Washington Capitals.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20|314 ANSWERS Timo Meier returns to Devils after mysterious leave of absence Can the Devils challenge for the first place spot in the Metropolitan? | ||
| Yes | 208 | 66.2 % |
| No | 106 | 33.8 % |
| List of polls | ||