Elvis Merzlikins
Goaltender · Columbus Blue Jackets
2014 Draft, Rd 3 Pick 16 (#76) — Columbus Blue Jackets
Current Season
GP
21
W-L-OTL
11-8-1
GAA
3.49
SV%
.888
SO
1
GS
-
Career Stats
Contract
Cap Hit
$5.40M
Total Value
$27.00M
Expires
5 yrs · 2026-2027
Status
Then UFA
via PuckPedia
Recent Stories
Elvis Merzlikins savors the 'huge honor' of battling on hockey's biggest stage in Milan. The netminder's journey from NHL starter to international warrior adds layers to his resume that Columbus values deeply. With the league resuming, his perspective fuels the fire for a Blue Jackets team eyeing the playoffs.
Day 8 of men's hockey at the Milano Cortina Olympics delivers the kind of twists that remind us why this tournament feels like the NHL playoffs on steroids, with NHL stars pulling double duty for their countries. Teams are showcasing the same gritty edge we've seen in late-season Central Division dogfights, where one shift changes everything. GMs back home are glued to these games, scouting their own guys like Werenski and Merzlikins while plotting deadline moves just 16 days out.
JT Miller, the Rangers captain fresh off that blockbuster trade back from Vancouver, jumps right into the fire during Team USA's opener against Latvia. He sets up what looks like two quick goals, only for challenges to wipe them off-one for offsides where his arm blocks the view on Nelson, the other for goalie interference on Merzlikins.
Elvis Merzlikins gears up for a pivotal Olympic start against Sweden, bringing his Blue Jackets netminding chops to the international stage. Front-office types remember his clutch saves in Columbus pressure cookers, now amplified under Milano Cortina lights. A strong showing here bolsters his trade value and Latvia's medal hopes in a stacked group.
Blue Jackets stars like Werenski and Merzlikins return from the Olympics with that golden edge sharpening their games, and Columbus front office types whisper about how it's already paying dividends. Fans in Nationwide Arena sense a shift as these guys hit the ice post-break, blending international swagger with NHL grind. Rumors swirl around what this means for the club's push amid trade deadline chaos, with every shift carrying higher stakes now.
Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins straps on the pads for Latvia in a do-or-die Olympic qualification clash against powerhouse Sweden at Milano Cortina 2026. The Latvians, led by grizzled captain Kaspars Daugavins, carry the weight of that shocking 3-1 upset over the Swedes at the 2023 Worlds, where goalies like Arturs Silovs and Merzlikins stonewalled 41 shots.