The Columbus Blue Jackets will begin the 2026-27 season without their veteran goaltender.
Elvis Merzlikins underwent surgery on Monday to repair an injured shoulder, the Blue Jackets announced on Thursday.
There is no timetable set for his return.
“Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his off-season workouts,” general manager Don Waddell said in a statement released by the team. “Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He’ll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we’ll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice.”
The Latvian appeared in 30 games for the Blue Jackets last season, posting a .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average as he shifted into a backup role from the starting position.
For his career — all of which was played in Columbus — he has a .900 save percentage and 3.22 goals-against average in 274 games.
Merzlikins' absence could suggest a heavier workload for Canadian goalie Jet Greaves, who usurped Merzlikins last season for the starting job. Greaves appeared in 55 games for the Blue Jackets, posting a .908 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average with two shutouts.
