NHL Daily: NJ Gets Meier; Flyers’ JVR on the Move?

San Jose winger Timo Meier, a 31-goal scorer who was the No. 1 player in the trade market, was dealt to New Jersey on Sunday, making the already-formidable Devils a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

It also increased the value of the remaining forwards on the trade board, including the Flyers’ James van Riemsdyk.

In TSN’s trade rankings, van Riemsdyk is the seventh-most desireable player; he is No. 3  among forwards, behind only Chicago’s Patrick Kane and his teammate, Sam Lafferty.

Kane is expected to be dealt to the New York Rangers.

The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m.

With the Flyers losing seven of their last eight games and falling out of the playoff race, GM Chuck Fletcher will be in sell mode.

Defensemen Nick Seeler and Justin Braun could also be moved, and Fletcher is expected to have Ivan Provorov and Kevin Hayes available, though it would be easier to trade those expensive players in the offseason.

Fletcher did make a minor move late Sunday night, dealing unproductive minor-league winger Isaac Ratcliffe to Nashville for future considerations.

In non-trade news, the Flyers have three of their top offensive players — Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Cam Atkinson — sidelined by injuries, so they will have to tighten their defense and try to win 2-1 games, coach John Tortorella said.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Coach John Tortorella points a finger at himself after the Flyers’ 7-0 beatdown in New Jersey. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers made a minor deal late Sunday with Nashville. Philadelphia Flyers.

New Jersey Devils: The Devils are all in. They believe Timo Meier can help them win a Stanley Cup. New Jersey Devils.

San Jose Hockey Now: The mega Meier deal from the San Jose perspective. San Jose Sharks.

TSN Trade Board: Here’s a look at the trade board now that Meier has been dealt. TSN.

Washington Hockey Now: Former Caps coach Barry Trotz will become the next Nashville general manager. He will replace the retiring David Poile. Trotz coached the Preds from 1998 to 2014. Washington Capitals.

Colorado Hockey Now: Defenseman Jack Johnson was traded back to the Avs. Colorado Avalanche.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Isles and Predators are in trade talks. New York Islanders.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights acquired forward Ivan Barbashev from St. Louis in exchange prospect Zach Dean. Vegas Golden Knights.