New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier was suspended for one game by the NHL on Tuesday, one day after his cross-check to Zachary L’Heureux knocked the Nashville Predators forward from their game.
The suspension comes without pay, meaning based on his average annual salary, Meier will forfeit $45,833.33 while he sits out. Per terms of the collective bargaining agreement, that money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Meier will sit out Wednesday’s home game against the St. Louis Blues.
Meier attempted to poke the puck away from Predators goaltender Juuse Saros at 12:17 of the third period in the Devils’ 5-2 win in Newark, N.J. L’Heureux took exception to the move, prompting Meier to respond with a cross-check to the Nashville player’s body and again to his face. The second hit drew blood from the 21-year-old L’Heureux.
Meier received a five-minute cross-checking penalty and a game misconduct following the exchange. L’Heureux exited the game and did not return.
Meier, 28, has recorded 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 24 games this season.
The Switzerland native has totaled 397 points (198 goals, 199 assists) in 565 career games with the Sharks and Devils since being selected by San Jose with the ninth overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft.
New Jersey acquired Meier from the Sharks in a multi-player deal on Feb. 26, 2023.
–Field Level Media
