Every team has a lot of pressure heading into the 2026-27 season, but the New Jersey Devils might be at the top of that list. They have a strong team, and last season, they had a strong start but inevitably crumbled and missed the postseason. The Devils are determined not to let that happen again.
Each player on the team has a role to fill, and as we gear up for the start of the season, it is time to start predicting how each player will perform. We’re going to continue the Devils player projections series going through the forward group. Next up is Timo Meier.
2025-26 Performance
Meier had a strong performance in 2025-26, playing 77 games and recording 44 points (24 goals, 20 assists). He missed five games on a personal leave of absence he took in December to attend to a family matter. This was Meier’s worst season production-wise since coming to the Devils full-time, but compared to the rest of the team, he was fourth overall on the points leaderboard.
Meier was also named to Sweden’s Men’s Hockey Team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He was an early star for Switzerland, scoring two goals in their opening game against France. Unfortunately, Meier was suspended for the semi-final game against Norway after a knee-on-knee injury. Luckily, Switzerland shut out Norway in this game, but they still finished fifth overall in the Olympics.
Expectations for 2026-27
Just like Jesper Bratt, Meier is entering year four of his eight-year contract with New Jersey. Halfway into his $70.4 million deal, all eyes will remain on him as he continues to make an impact on the Devils.
Meier will, without a doubt, play within the top six. He will likely play left wing alongside Nico Hischier at center and Dawson Mercer at right wing. It is safe to believe this will be the Devils’ top line heading into the 2026-27 season. However, there is also the chance the trio can flex between the first and second line, in the event head coach Sheldon Keefe decides to play Jack Hughes’ line at first.
Upcoming Career Milestones
Right at the start of the 2026-27 season, Meier will already be hitting a career milestone: 700 NHL games. He is just two games out from this incredible achievement. Unfortunately, the Devils will be on the road, taking on the New York Islanders in their home opener on Oct. 3, so he won’t be able to celebrate on home ice. It’s still an incredible accomplishment Meier should be very proud of.
In the points department, Meier is just 21 away from reaching his 500th NHL point. This is something he will definitely be able to achieve this season. He is 59 goals away from his 300th NHL goal and 62 assists away from his 300th NHL assist. While his 500th NHL point will be easy to achieve this season, Meier would have to dig deep to hit either his 300th career goal or 300th career assist.
Projections for 2026-27
Meier consistently helps in the points department, and the 2026-27 season will likely be the same. My bold prediction for the upcoming season is that he will break 60-plus points. He previously had two 60-plus-point seasons when he was with the San Jose Sharks but has yet to record that many with the Devils.
In his first two full seasons with New Jersey, Meier recorded 52 and 53 points, respectively. It’s clear that he is capable of consistently producing a large number of points. The 2026-27 season will be another strong performance for Meier.
Other 2026-27 Projections
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