Huge issue with Elvis Merzlikins asking for trade out of Columbus…
That can’t be good.
HockeyFeed
It was recently reported that Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins is looking for a change of scenery and has demanded a trade out of Columbus. With contenders seeking uogrades in between the pipes, it sounds like great timing for the Jackets’ netminder. However, there is one signing problem… No one is interested in trade for Merzlikins…
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed on NHL Network that teams had been aware that Merzlikins was available, however, he feels like his contract makes him difficult to acquire, especially with its AAV of $5.4 million through 2026-27 and its 10-team no-trade clause.
Pierre LeBrun recently added that there are currently no takers for Merzlikins.
“No, there are no takers right now. The market is pretty soft for him. Why? He’s got three more years on his contract after this year at $5.4 million. I get that there’s maybe a mutual desire to have him move on, but he’s going to have to play a lot better when he gets a chance in goal to really reignite his marketplace before March 8.”
The Blue Jackets would therefore have to do a lot more than they might want to in order to move Merzlikins, who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus. Friedman explained that there’s a price to be paid to acquire the goaltender, and one also to convince the Blue Jackets to retain part of his cap hit. This could lead to deal packaged with a sweetener like a draft pick or price to get Columbus to absord some of his salary.
Between now and the trade deadline, Merzlikins could improve his performance and mood in order to convince some teams to take a closer look at him and pull the trigger on a trade. He has been linked to the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks ,though his contract remains a sticking point.
Merzlikins might have to wait until the summer to find a new landing spot as a trade coming in between now and the March 8 trade deadline might leave too little time for him to convince a contender to take him, and his high salary, on board…
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