Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who hasn't played for the last two weeks, said he has not requested a trade and that he is "not a backup goaltender," The Athletic reported Friday.
Merzlikins, who last appeared Dec. 29 against the Toronto Maple Leafs when he allowed two goals on 14 shots in one period of action, is 7-8 with a .907 save percentage and a 3.25 goals-against average this season.
The Latvian stopper told The Athletic that he has worked out a "new scenario" with the team. When asked for specifics, coach Pascal Vincent said that was "above my pay grade." Vincent did say, however, that Merzlikins will be the backup on Saturday, in favour of Daniil Tarasov, when the Blue Jackets face the Seattle Kraken.
Merzlikins added, in reference to a trade request, “I love Columbus. I love these guys. I grew up here,” according to The Athletic.
In 173 appearances, all with the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins is 62-70 with a .906 save percentage and a 3.15 goals-against average. He was Columbus' third-round (76th overall) pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.
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