Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets Goalie Situation Just Got a Lot More Complicated

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed goaltender Elvis Merzlikins had shoulder surgery earlier in the week, with no set date for his return.

by
NHL Trade Talk
August 20, 2026

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Thursday that goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week, leaving him without a timeline for return.

General manager Don Waddell said Merzlikins first reported discomfort in his shoulder a few weeks ago while going through offseason workouts. An MRI determined that surgery was the best path forward. The procedure took place Monday, and Waddell said the team expects to have a clearer picture of Merzlikins’ recovery timeline once he’s re-evaluated in a few weeks.

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday. No timetable has been set for his return at this time.

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/WYcHSvZIfu pic.twitter.com/q9DEQXZRSN
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 20, 2026

The timing is far from ideal for Columbus, with training camp set to open September 16 and the preseason beginning September 21 against Detroit. The Blue Jackets kick off the regular season October 1 at home against Buffalo.

Merzlikins, 32, is entering the final year of his five-year, $27 million contract. He posted a 14-11-3 record with an .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average across 30 appearances last season, splitting time in net with Jet Greaves, who emerged as the team’s clear No. 1 after a breakout campaign of his own (26-19-9, .908 SV%, 2.60 GAA).

With Merzlikins sidelined, veteran Pheonix Copley — signed to a one-year, $850,000 deal in July — is now expected to slide into the backup role behind Greaves.

The injury adds to an already tough offseason for Columbus. The team was dealing with chatter about a Zach Werenski trade and Kirill Marchenko’s potential exit, and is also managing forward Isac Lundestrom’s recovery from Achilles surgery. Oh, and there’s the not-so-small matter of an Adam Fantilli extension or threat of an offer sheet.

More updates on Merzlikins’ recovery are expected in the coming weeks.

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