Last year did not start out well for Timo Meier. The Swiss winger was dealing with a bout of mononucleosis that kept him out of the lineup for a month. Meier was a prospect who was highly anticipated to make it to the opening night roster. As with most prospects who get injured or sick, when he returned, he started with the Barracuda instead.

It wouldn’t be long before he found himself in a Sharks sweater, though. On December 16th, on the first shot of his first ever NHL game, Timo Meier scored his first NHL goal on All Star Vezina-winning goalie, Carey Price.

That was everything Sharks fans had been waiting for. Timo Meier had arrived.

Unfortunately, that flash of brilliance was just that. Meier spent most of the season struggling to find consistency. While he adapted to the speed and the physicality of the NHL, the scoring edge that made him such an exciting prospect was only seen in bits and pieces.

In 34 games with the Sharks, Meier scored three goals and three assists. Using his QMJHL scoring, he should’ve been on pace for 10 points in those 34 games. Even more frustrating is that with the Barracuda, in the same season, he totaled 23 points in 33 games - which translates to 11 points in 34 NHL games.

Timo Meier didn’t have a bad rookie season. But there’s a significant difference in his scoring pace in the AHL versus the NHL, in the very same season. It’s a distinct possibility that it’s not quite #TimoTime yet.

He did have promising performances in both the Calder Cup playoffs (seven points in 14 games) and the Stanley Cup playoffs. While Meier remained off the scoreboard in the latter, his one-ice presence was a major factor.

Just as last year, Meier is expected to make the opening night roster for this season. Hopefully with consistent linemates and some playoff experience under his belt, he’ll find that offensive edge again.

Bio

Name: Timo Meier

Age (as of 9/9/17): 20

Position: Right Wing/Left Wing

Shoots: Left

Last Year’s Ranking: 3

2016-17 Team: San Jose Sharks/San Jose Barracuda

Where he’ll (probably) be next year: San Jose Sharks

What we like

His physical play stood out, especially during the playoffs. Meier has a big body and he comes in hard with it.

What to improve on

His play-making needs to adjust to NHL level competition. The explosive offense Meier produced in the QMJHL hasn’t really shown up in the NHL yet.

Highlight

Of his three goals last season, this will be the one that everyone remembers.