The New Jersey Devils will be without one of their key top-six forwards when they take on the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night. Devils forward Timo Meier has been suspended one game by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for cross-checking Nashville Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux.
The incident occurred Monday night during the Devils and Predators game. At the 12:17 mark of the third period, Meier was assessed a match penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking. Meier took a shot at Predators goalie Juuse Saros, and as the whistle blew, Meier tried to dig at Saros’s glove. Predators forward L’Heureux, who had scored to make it 4-2, got into a pushing match with Meier.
As the video shows, courtesy of the Department of Player Safety, Meier cross-checked L’Heureux once and twice. The second cross-check hit L’Heureux in the face, forcing the player to leave the game. Meier was assessed a five-minute major match penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking. The officials reviewed the call and upheld their decision.
It was announced on Tuesday morning that Meier would have a hearing on Monday evening for his actions. The result of his actions was a one-game suspension.
“Yeah, you got to show some restraint. I mean, he thinks he’s in a physical confrontation there. And if the other guy gets his hands up, it probably is different,” Keefe said following the game. “There’s no intent there, from Timo. He’s in a battle and competing in that spot. But, yeah, you gotta show a little more restraint and control, for sure. And that’s in any time of the game, but certainly in the third period, when it’s a two-goal game like that.”
The NHL has a history of suspending players for cross-checking another player in the face. Last season, David Perron was suspended six games for cross-checking Artem Zub in the face. Go back to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy was assessed a one-game suspension for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers captain and forward Connor McDavid in the face. Again, the League frowns upon these actions, especially when it comes to using your stick as a weapon.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Meier will forfeit $45,833.33. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
