Updated asking price for Timo Meier revealed; this likely explains why he hasn't been moved yet

Per Andy Strickland, the ask on Meier from the Sharks is currently set at a 1st round pick, a top prospect and a roster player. If that seems steep, that's because it is. Any acquiring team knows coming into this thing that there is a chance that Meier may just opt to take his 1-year, $10M qualifying offer this summer, play out next season and then test free agency - so, there's certainly a risk there. Parting with a 1st round pick in what's expected to be a deep draft, a top prospect AND a roster player has scared off a lot of teams and/or forced some contenders to draw a line in the sand, as to what they're willing to move. In Carolina's case, it just wasn't enough.

Meier is a difference-maker, there's no question. Now, with the Canes out of the way, the two-horse race seems to be between the Golden Knights and the Devils. New Jersey remains the favourite, likely due to the fact that Meier is rumoured to want to play there with friend and countryman, Nico Hischier.

A lot can change between now and Friday's deadline, but as it stands, it's looking increasingly likely that the Devils will end up with Meier - especially since the Golden Knights just traded one of their top prospects in Zach Dean to the St. Louis Blues for Ivan Provorov. The Devils are able to offer up the best package.