The Columbus Blue Jackets are turning heads this season with unexpectedly strong performances between the pipes. After several seasons of inconsistent goaltending, the team seems to have found a solution in their current tandem, leading to renewed optimism among fans and analysts alike.
Entering the 2025-2026 season, questions surrounded the Blue Jackets' goaltending situation. Elvis Merzlikins, the veteran netminder, had struggled to consistently reach a save percentage above .900 in recent years. This inconsistency, coupled with the team's struggles to make the playoffs, prompted General Manager Don Waddell to bolster the team's goaltending depth. The acquisition of Ivan Fedotov was a key move in this direction, adding another layer of competition and experience to the position.
However, the biggest surprise has been the emergence of Jet Greaves. The 24-year-old has seized the opportunity and is quickly establishing himself as a reliable NHL goaltender. Greaves' strong finish to the 2024-2025 season, where he led the team to five consecutive victories while posting a .975 save percentage, hinted at his potential. He carried that momentum into training camp and the preseason, ultimately earning the starting role for the season opener against the Nashville Predators.
Coach Dean Evason's decision to start Greaves signaled a shift towards the future and a vote of confidence in the young goaltender. While Merzlikins was expected to be the primary starter, Greaves' performance simply couldn't be ignored. In 11 NHL games last season, Greaves recorded a 7-2-2 record with an impressive 1.91 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. His success wasn't limited to the NHL, as he also posted a .920 save percentage in 40 AHL starts.
Greaves's ability to excel against both high-danger and mid-range shots has been a key factor in his success. Last season, his save percentage in both categories ranked in the 99th percentile. This ability to consistently make crucial saves has instilled confidence in the team and provided a much-needed boost to the Blue Jackets' defense.
While it's still early in the season, Greaves has maintained his strong play. Despite a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Greaves stopped 25 of 27 shots and demonstrated his ability to give the Blue Jackets a chance to win. Through his first two starts, he had a .932 save percentage, stopping 55 of 59 shots.
The Blue Jackets also have another intriguing prospect in Pyotr Andreyanov. Drafted 20th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Andreyanov is considered a top goaltending prospect. His impressive performance in Russia's junior league, where he posted a 1.75 GAA and .942 save percentage, has drawn comparisons to Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Blue Jackets' improved goaltending is a welcome sign for a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season. With Greaves leading the charge and a solid goaltending pipeline, the future looks bright in Columbus.
