Report: Devils file for arbitration with Meier
The New Jersey Devils filed for team-elected salary arbitration with restricted free-agent forward Timo Meier, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
The Devils had until 5 p.m. ET on Thursday to elect arbitration.
Meier was due a $10-million qualifying offer to retain his RFA rights by June 30. The minimum award he can receive in team-elected arbitration is 85% of his previous season's pay, which would be $8.5 million.
The two sides can still negotiate a long-term extension prior to the hearing. The arbitration period typically begins in late July. Meier remains eligible to sign an offer sheet prior to July 5 at 5 p.m.
A one-year contract would take him to unrestricted free agency in 2024.
New Jersey acquired Meier from the San Jose Sharks prior to the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal that involved eight players and four draft picks. The Swiss international tallied 40 goals and 66 points in 78 total games last season, though his scoring rate dipped upon joining the Devils.
Meier only recorded two goals and four points in 11 playoff contests. He went without a point in New Jersey's first-round series against the New York Rangers. Despite the lack of production, Meier led the team in high-danger chances in the postseason and was second to Jack Hughes in shots on goal, per Natural Stat Trick.
The Devils signed fellow restricted free agent Jesper Bratt to an eight-year, $63-million contract extension earlier Thursday.