The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves in an interesting position regarding their goaltending situation heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. Elvis Merzlikins, once seen as the team's future in net, now faces significant competition and heightened scrutiny. With the emergence of Jet Greaves and the addition of Ivan Fedotov, the Blue Jackets must be prepared to make swift decisions regarding Merzlikins' playing time and role if he doesn't perform up to expectations.
Merzlikins' tenure in Columbus has been marked by inconsistency. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall numbers have been underwhelming for a starting goaltender, particularly considering his cap hit. In the 2022-23 season, Merzlikins recorded a career-worst .876 save percentage (SV%), ranking near the bottom of the league. Although his numbers improved in the following seasons, his SV% remained below .900, a benchmark typically expected of a reliable starter. In the 2024-25 season, Merzlikins posted a 26-21-5 record with a 3.18 GAA and a .892 save percentage. These numbers are passable for a backup, but not for a player who was among the highest-paid goalies in the league.
The emergence of Jet Greaves has further complicated the situation. Greaves had a strong finish to the 2024-25 season, showcasing his potential to be a full-time NHL goaltender. In 11 games, Greaves recorded a 7-2-2 record with an impressive .938 save percentage and a 1.91 goals-against average. He continued to impress in the AHL, posting a 21-11-6 record with a .920 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average in 40 games. Greaves' performance has earned him the trust of the organization and has positioned him as a legitimate contender for the starting role.
Adding another layer to the goaltending mix is Ivan Fedotov, acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Philadelphia Flyers. Fedotov, a towering presence in net, brings size and experience to the team. While his NHL numbers with the Flyers weren't stellar, he has a strong track record in the KHL and could provide valuable depth and competition.
Given the presence of Greaves and Fedotov, the Blue Jackets cannot afford to be patient with Merzlikins. If he struggles early in the season or fails to demonstrate consistent improvement, the team must be willing to give Greaves and Fedotov opportunities to prove themselves. A short leash with Merzlikins doesn't necessarily mean benching him after every bad game, but it does mean that the coaching staff needs to closely monitor his performance and be prepared to make changes if necessary.
Several factors could contribute to a quick hook for Merzlikins. If his save percentage consistently hovers below .900, or if he allows a high number of soft goals, it would be a clear indication that he's not performing at the level required of a starting goaltender. Furthermore, if Greaves or Fedotov play exceptionally well in their opportunities, it would make it difficult to justify keeping Merzlikins in the starting role.
The Blue Jackets' ultimate goal is to compete for a playoff spot, and they need consistent goaltending to achieve that. If Merzlikins is not providing that consistency, the team must be willing to explore other options, even if it means reducing his playing time or potentially exploring a trade.
The Blue Jackets have a few questions as they head into the 2025-26 season. The team will start their season with a goaltending battle. Ultimately, the Blue Jackets need to figure out how to approach Elvis Merzlikins.
