A turbulent offseason for the Blue Jackets got another big bump Aug. 20 with the announcement that goalie Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery Aug. 17 that will keep him out an undetermined length of time.
Merzlikins, 32, has one season remaining on a five-year contract that carries a $5.4 million charge against the NHL's salary cap.
“Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts,” Blue Jackets president/general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. “Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He’ll be evaluated again in a few weeks, at which time we’ll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice.”
Merzlikins was expected to open training camp in September as the backup to Jet Greaves, who surpassed him for the top goaltending role last season and agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract extension July 23 after nearly going to salary arbitration.
This is a developing story.
Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins out indefinitely
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