The Columbus Blue Jackets are less than a month away from opening training camp, and one of the biggest questions surrounding the team now centers on the health of veteran goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.
Merzlikins, 32, is entering the final season of his five-year, $27 million contract carrying a $5.4 million cap hit, and he lost the Blue Jackets’ starting job to Jet Greaves during the 2025-26 campaign.
The veteran netminder posted a 14-11-3 record with a 3.40 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage across 30 appearances last year, and he’s spent all seven of his NHL seasons in Columbus. He ranks second in franchise history with 108 victories and 274 games played, only trailing star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky in both categories.
Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Columbus will begin training camp on Sept. 16 before opening the preseason on Sept. 21, but the Blue Jackets might have to do without their goalie for the short-term future.
On Thursday, Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell announced that Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week, leaving the veteran netminder without a timetable to return.
The team did not disclose the specific shoulder procedure, meaning the recovery timeline remains uncertain with camp and preseason right around the corner.
“Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts,” said Waddell. “Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action.”
Added Waddell: “He’ll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we’ll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice.”
Merzlikins’ next medical evaluation in the coming weeks is expected to provide a clearer indication of whether he’ll be available early in the 2026-27 season.
If Merzlikins is unavailable when the season begins, veteran Pheonix Copley is expected to serve as Greaves’ backup after signing a one-year contract on July 1.
The Blue Jackets will get their regular season going on Oct. 1 against the Buffalo Sabres.
