Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins has undergone shoulder surgery following discomfort revealed during offseason training. General manager Don Waddell confirmed the procedure but stated there's currently no timeline for his return. As training camp approaches on September 16, there's uncertainty about whether Merzlikins will be fit for the October 1 season opener against the Buffalo Sabres. Last season, Merzlikins struggled significantly, losing his starting position to Jet Greaves.

By the Numbers
  • Merzlikins recorded a 14-11-3 record, 3.40 goals-against average, and .883 save percentage in 30 games during the 2025-26 season.
  • In 274 career NHL games, he has a record of 108-111-38 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 SV%.
State of Play
  • Merzlikins鈥� recovery timeline remains unclear, impacting his preseason availability.
  • Jet Greaves is poised to take on more responsibilities in goal while Merzlikins is sidelined.
What's Next

As the season opener approaches, the Blue Jackets may need to adjust their strategies based on Merzlikins' recovery progress. Continued evaluation in a few weeks will determine his status and readiness for the beginning of the season.

Bottom Line

The Blue Jackets face uncertainty with their goaltending as Merzlikins' recovery is underway, putting pressure on backup options like Jet Greaves. How the team navigates this injury could significantly affect their early season performance.