Elvis Merzlikins’ Injury Creates Early Goaltending Problem for Blue Jackets

Washington Capitals center Connor McMichael pushes Columbus Blue Jackets center Brendan Gaunce in front of the net as goaltender Elvis Merzlikins defends during the third period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on February 8, 2022. Photo by All-Pro Reels.

Written by Gina Anton

The Blue Jackets announced Thursday that Elvis Merzlikins is out indefinitely after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder during offseason workouts. He will be reevaluated in the coming weeks, when the team hopes to have a clearer timeline for his return.

For Merzlikins, the injury comes at an important point in his career. The 32-year-old appeared in 30 games last season, posting a 14-11-3 record with a 3.40 goals-against average and .883 save percentage. After an inconsistent 2025-26 campaign, the offseason was an opportunity to reset and prepare for a better year. Instead, his focus has shifted to rehabilitation.

The injury also creates an immediate challenge for Columbus.

Training camp opens Sept. 16, with the first on-ice workouts scheduled for the following day. The Blue Jackets will play their first preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 21 before opening the regular season against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 1.

With no timetable for Merzlikins’ return, Columbus must prepare for the possibility that someone else will have to carry a larger workload early in the season. The organization could also be forced to evaluate whether its current goaltending depth is enough or if an outside addition becomes necessary.

That uncertainty matters for a team trying to build on its progress. Strong goaltending can stabilize a young roster, while inconsistency in the crease can quickly put pressure on the rest of the lineup.

For Blue Jackets fans, Merzlikins’ absence adds another storyline to an important training camp. He has been with the organization since Columbus selected him in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft and has appeared in 274 regular-season games for the franchise.

For now, the Blue Jackets must prepare for the possibility of starting the season without one of their most experienced goaltenders, while Merzlikins begins the work of getting back to the crease.

His recovery could have a significant impact on how Columbus approaches the position and navigates the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season.