NHL Trade Rumors : Which team is a dark horse in a potential Timo Meier trade?

Timo Meier is a prime forward in the NHL who will soon find a new home. With forwards like Bo Horvat and Vladimir Tarasenko already playing for new teams, Meier will likely be the next target for teams that are looking to add an elite offensive player to their squad.

According to NHL Insider Kevin Weekes, the Vegas Golden Knights are an unexpected team who might pursue Timo Meier.

The 26-year-old Swiss forward is having a tremendous 2022-23 NHL season with the San Jose Sharks, scoring 30 goals and 51 points in 53 games.

Timo Meier signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks worth $24 million with a $6 million salary cap hit. He will become a restricted free agent valued at $10 million at the end of the 2022-23 season. But the Sharks have not been able to reach an agreement with Meier on the extension, which guarantees a trade before the deadline.

According to San Jose Hockey Now, the Sharks' request for Meier includes a first-rounder, one Grade-A or two Grade-B prospects, or a good prospect and a young, established NHL player. Only a handful of teams in the NHL currently have what the Sharks have asked for.

As it stands, the Golden Knights will not be able to afford Meier with their current cap space. However, winger Mark Stone was recently forced to undergo back surgery and could miss the remainder of the season. If the Golden Knights place Stone's $9.5 million cap hit on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), they will create plenty of cap space to afford Timo Meier's contract.

Meier is a dynamic winger who has the ability to play both left and right wings and will be a great fit for the Golden Knights alongside Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault on the top line.

Other NHL teams pursuing Timo Meier

Timo Meier has been linked to many NHL teams before the March 3 trade deadline, including the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets.

The New York Rangers were involved in the race to sign Meier too but decided to bring in Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues.

There is no doubt that a player of Meier's level will be a great addition to any team that is a Stanley Cup contender. It will be exciting to see which team wins the race to land this winger.