Mark Stone comp for Meier

2023 deadline deal.

It has been reported that Meier's contract demands are well above $9 million, which could limit the trade return for San Jose. If his expectations are for top dollar, then the fair comp to use here is probably Mark Stone, who was traded to Vegas at 2019 deadline by Ottawa.

At the time of the deal, Stone was the NHL leader in Goals-above-Replacement (GAR) and the expectations were for a massive return for Ottawa. BOS, CGY, NSH, NYI and WPG were the most common teams linked to him before deadline. The asking price at the time was " four assets, including a first-round pick and an A-level prospect" according to Fourth Period. Pat Steinberg said the ask from Calgary was "multiple 1sts, one of Valimaki, Andersson, Kylington, and more". From others, Craig Custance said it was "at least two first-round picks" and more.

But the actual return was a lot less than expected since Stone was uncertain to sign and wanted top dollar. Erik Brannstrom, who at the time was The Athletic's 19th best from outside the NHL, and a pick in the late 2nd round.

(maybe not this little, but a lot less than expectations)