Meier-Less Devils Tweak Lineup Before Tilt vs. Blues

Ahead of their lead against the St. Louis Blues, the New Jersey Devils have been forced to adjust their lineup due to Timo Meier’s suspension.

RECENT: Devils Timo Meier suspended by NHL Department of Player Safety, full explanation

The Devils’ star forward will watch from the press box as the Devils look to extend their winning streak to four games on Wednesday night. As a result, head coach Sheldon Keefe had to elevate a handful of players.

Keefe has emphasized the importance of chemistry, meaning not much has changed in the top nine. The fourth line remains exactly the same, while Paul Cotter moves to the Nico Hischier line with Dawson Mercer.

Cotter makes sense as a Meier-lite type player and should fit in well, even if it’s just for one game.

The former Vegas Golden Knights forward has been a pleasant surprise for the Devils this season. Through 24 games, Cotter’s scored seven goals and five assists. However, he has gone cold lately and is pointless in his last five games. Perhaps the promotion will be enough to revive the surprisingly skilled striker.

And while the points and flashes of skill are welcome, the Devils acquired Cotter as a tough checker, and he has delivered.

Cotter’s 72 hits rank ninth overall in the NHL. His promotion to the Hischier line leaves a void on the Erik Haula line. Nolan Foote steps in to fill the void in his recall.

Foote made his season debut on Saturday against the Washington Capitals, skating in 9:44 of ice time across 13 shifts. He added one hit.

Wednesday’s Devils Workflow*

Forward

Paul Cotter–Nico Hischier–Stefan Noesen

Ondrej Palat–Jack Hughes–Jesper Bratt

Nolan Foot–Erik Haula–Dawson Mercer

Shane Bowers–Justin Dowling–Tomas Tatar

Defenders

Brenden Dillon-Dougie Hamilton

Jonas Siegenthaler-Johnathan Kovacevic

Lucas Hughes–Brett Pesce

Goalkeepers

Jacob Markstrom

Jake Allen

*Setup subject to change