The giant-paid NHL goalie underwent surgery – now the GM speaks
The Columbus Blue Jackets report that the team’s Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery on Monday. The surgery was successful, but there is currently no timeline set for Merzlikins’ return.
– Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some pain in his shoulder during off-season training. After MRI scans, it was determined that surgery was the best option. He will be re-evaluated in a few weeks, at which point we will have a clearer understanding of when he will return to the ice, commented Columbus GM Don Waddell in the team’s statement.
Merzlikins, 32, has represented Columbus for the last seven seasons. Last season, he played 30 games with a save percentage of 88.3. Merzlikins’ contract, which guarantees a salary of $5.4 million, covers the upcoming season.
If Merzlikins has not recovered by the start of the NHL season, Pheonix Copley is expected to step up into the Columbus roster. The team’s number one goalie is Jet Greaves.
Full details
cbj.co/elvis-082026
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