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The Toronto Maple Leafs will be buyers before the March 3 trade deadline, meanwhile the San Jose Sharks are at the other end of the spectrum, as general manager (GM) Mike Grier will look to sell off some of the team’s assets. This is likely going to include star forward Timo Meier and if this is indeed the case, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas needs to be ready with a trade package Grier can’t refuse.
Meier is the absolute perfect fit for the Maple Leafs top six and even though it would be a significant trade package heading to sunny California, the Sharks winger is the type of impact player who could push the Maple Leafs over the hump and into Stanley Cup contention.
Adding Meier Gives Maple Leafs More Balance
Right now, head coach Sheldon Keefe is having to play Calle Jarnkrok on the team’s second line. By adding Meier, it allows for Jarnkrok to be pushed down the depth chart and move back to his natural position at right wing alongside David Kampf and Alexander Kerfoot. This is the type of balance Toronto needs as they gear up for what Leafs Nation is hoping is a long Stanley Cup Playoff run.
Meier plays at heavy game, meaning he isn’t afraid to finish his check, he’s willing to go to the dirty areas of the ice and he loves to battle. There’s also a ton of offense and skill to his game, as he currently sits with 21 goals and 38 points in 39 games this season. It’s not often you can add someone with this type of skillset to an already talented forward group and Dubas and company need to pounce on this opportunity.
Meier Appears Ripe for the Taking from Sharks
All signs have pointed to the Sharks going into full tank mode the rest of the season as they will try to increase their odds of landing 2023 top prospect Connor Bedard. And if you’ve watched any of the World Juniors you know why. Grier essentially started the Sharks’ rebuilding process when the team traded away long-time defenseman Brent Burns and now his attention will be on a few other assets, including Meier, who is a pending restricted free agent at season’s end.