Elvis Merzlikins as good as gone from Blue Jackets

While the likes of Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom appear to be soon up for grabs from their respective clubs, it appears as though another goaltender is entering the trade market. 

According to reports, the Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will be working to find a new situation for him following his declaration that he's "not a backup", though he also said that he hasn't formally requested a trade from the only NHL team that he's played for in his career. 

“I love Columbus. I love these guys. I grew up here," Merzlikins said. "I'm not a backup goaltender." 

"I want to be treated as Number 1, I believe that I am a Number 1," he said. "It didn't go to that point that I'm requesting, but that both sides agreed." 

Drafted 76th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2014 NHL Draft, Merzlikins has a record of 7-8-6 this year for the floundering Blue Jackets along with a 3.25 goals against average and .907 save percentage. 

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