With the Columbus Blue Jackets, newly appointed general manager Don Waddell has his work cut out for him as he attempts to turn the team into a postseason contender in the upcoming seasons.
Elvis Merzlikins didn't have a fantastic season, thus in between the pipes was one area of weakness for the Columbus Blue Jackets previous season. Trade rumors involving Merzlikins have surfaced, particularly before to the March deadline, but nothing concrete has been revealed.
In his opening press conference on Thursday, Waddell addressed the question of whether the Blue Jackets would consider making a trade this summer. He was quite direct in stating that Merzlikins' contract was the basis for the decision. He also dismissed the prospect of a buyout.
"Let's be honest, nobody is going to trade for that contract. Nobody," Waddell told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "People say, 'Well, why don't you buy out the contract?' It's a six-year buyout, and there are Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, when you might need that cap space.
The 30-year-old Merzlikins played in 41 games for the Blue Jackets this season, recording a 13-17-8 record with a 3.45 goals against average,.897 save percentage, and one shutout. With a $5.4 million cap cost, the Riga native has three years left on his deal.
Don Waddell will have a huge summer, but the Blue Jackets want to make a big splash the next season, and they undoubtedly have the pieces to do it. Elvis Merzlikins might put the Columbus Blue Jackets in a solid position if he has a strong training camp and 2024–25 campaign.
