Meier's NHL debut with Sharks means healthy scratch for Ward

Giving Timo Meier his first taste of the National Hockey League will come at a price for San Jose Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer.

The club's first-round pick in 2015 will play his first game against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, but in turn, veteran forward Joel Ward will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

"There’s no easy way. Those aren’t easy conversations," DeBoer said, according to Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News. "He’s a proud guy. He’s a great player and he’s a great teammate and he was a key guy for us last year on the run. Those aren’t easy and we don’t take them lightly. But those are the decisions we have to make."

After contributing 21 goals and 43 points last season, Ward has been unable to replicate his stellar campaign, with just two goals and nine points in 30 games. Meanwhile, Meier has been dominant in his first AHL season, amassing nine goals and 15 points in 17 games with the San Jose Barracuda.

"He deserves to be up here, he’s played great in the American League and the whole organization high on him," DeBoer said. "Just want him to get through his first game without feeling too nervous. Jump in with both feet and go to work. He’s a good player. He belongs up here."

The Sharks will be looking to remain perfect on their current road trip, having already collected wins against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.