New Jersey Devils notes: On Meier's fantastic play, the quest for 100 points, and Luke Hughes

It took Timo Meier a bit of time to get going but he's firing on all cylinders now. Plus, notes on Hughes and, uh, Hughes.

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A few New Jersey Devils notes on this off-day:

Timo Meier is a game changer

It took Timo Meier a little bit of time to really get into a groove with the Devils. He was being moved up and down the lineup every night at even-strength while seeing his role on the power play change constantly.

Despite fluctuating playing circumstances, everything was there outside of the raw outputs. He was generating a ton of chances, his on-ice metrics were great, and he showed the flashes of raw power and skill that is simply unmatched on the team.

Unsurprisingly, everything is all coming together now that Meier has settled in. He has seemingly found a home alongside Erik Haula and Jesper Boqvist at evens while serving as a net-front finisher on the man advantage.

Meier has scored eight goals over the past 12 games, pushing him above 40 goals for the first time in his career.

I’ve often been asked if I think the Devils can justify paying Meier what it’d take based on what we’ve seen thus far. To that I say yes; a resounding yes.

Meier has played 18 games with the Devils. He has scored nine times and recorded 13 points, all of which are primary. That’s while posting an unsustainably low individual points percentage of 50%, meaning he has only picked up a point on half the goals he’s been on the ice for.

If his IPP was around his career average of ~71%, he’d be averaging more than a point per game and nobody would be questioning Meier in the slightest; especially considering the numbers he’s putting up beneath the surface.

Meier leads the Devils in shot attempts, scoring chances, expected goals, rebounds created, and hits since joining the team.

He has also posted a fantastic 63 xGF% – 2nd to only Nico Hischier up front – and leads the team in on-ice goals for (17).

He is firing on all cylinders and looks every bit like the game breaker the Devils hoped he’d be.

100 point watch