Elvis Merzlikins' surgery has Columbus Blue Jackets gauging net depth

The Columbus Blue Jackets are evaluating their goaltending options after losing goalie Elvis Merzlikins to shoulder surgery, though they are taking their time to make a decision. Merzlikins, 32, is set to miss an indefinite amount of time due to the surgery, which initially occurred in Lugano, Switzerland. The Blue Jackets have five goalies with significant NHL experience available as free agents, such as Matt Murray, Cam Talbot, and Petr Mrazek.

However, President and General Manager Don Waddell is holding off on making any moves until the training camps begin in mid-September to assess further possibilities. The team is also exploring waivers and other teams carrying multiple goalies who may become available. Merzlikins, who has one season remaining on his five-year, $27 million contract, is the highest-paid goalie for the Blue Jackets.

The team will monitor his recovery progress during his first week of September medical evaluation. If the recovery is lengthy, Waddell might acquire another experienced goaltender from outside. In anticipation of possible depth additions, the Blue Jackets signed veteran Pheonix Copley to an AHL/NHL role on July 1, but Waddell emphasizes they are not rushing into any decisions and will carefully consider all options before making any changes.