Timo Meier takes personal leave of absence

The Latest Jersey Devils have struggled of late, having lost five straight games before a recent win over the Ottawa Senators. They’re waiting for Jack Hughes to come back off the shelf and are mulling a Quinn Hughes trade as the vacations approach. But on Thursday, the team announced they can be and not using a top forward for a bit. Devils forward Timo Meier is taking a leave of absence as a result of a family health matter.

“Timo Meier has taken a private leave of absence from the team as he tends to a family health matter. Your entire organization supports Timo and his family and appreciates everyone respecting their privacy right now,” the team announced.

Meier got here to the Devils from the San Jose Sharks before the 2023 NHL trade deadline. He immediately signed an extension with Latest Jersey, which keeps him in red through 2031. Meier scored 40 goals across the 2 teams in 2022-23, and has cracked 25 goals in each of his two full seasons in Newark.

With 11 goals through 30 games this season, Meier has been a key member of the highest six this season. Now, without Hughes and Meier, they’re significantly shorthanded heading into a giant stretch of the season. The Devils have a three-game homestand coming up against the surging Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Geese. That finishes with a game against the lowly Vancouver Canucks.

Devils fans took to social media to wish Meier well after the announcement. Popular fan account The Bratt Pack posted, “Wishing the Meier family the very best and hope everyone seems to be okay. Take the time you would like king, we’ll at all times be here.”

@stephh52_ expressed the identical sentiment, “Sending like to Timo and his family through whatever they might going through.”

As did @chris_hic_, “Prayers to him and his family, some things are greater than work. Hope to see you soon!”