Blue Jackets' starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins addresses recent trade rumors after long run on bench

By ARJUN B

Modified Jan 12, 2024 19:59 GMT

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins recently broke his silence on the swirling trade rumors that have accompanied his extended period on the bench. He has not played since December 29 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"I just want to be treated as the No. 1. Believe I am the No. 1. It didn't get to the point where I'm requesting (a trade). It went to the point where both sides agreed,” Merzlikins said to media on Friday.

Merzlikins clarified that he had not requested a trade and mentioned that there had been an understanding reached between both sides.

"Now, I didn't speak to anybody," he added. "My agent and Jarmo (Blue Jackets GM) spoke. Both sides agreed. Now what's going to happen, I have no idea. If I get to play, I'll give my best because the boys deserve the best."

Merzlikins referred to the Blue Jackets team as his family, highlighting the deep bonds between team members.

"This is my family, I'm dead serious. I grew up here in my NHL career and to me, these players are my brothers."

Elvis has a 7-8-6 record with a 3.25 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage in 23 appearances this season. He is under contract for $5.4 million until the 2026–27 season.

Elvis Merzlikins also remarked on his future:

"I want to play. I'm not going to be No. 3, I can assure you of that. Especially with the hard work I did mentally and physically this summer. I just want to play my game."

Elvis Merzlikins trades blows with Capitals' Tom Wilson

In the game between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 21, 2023, Tom Wilson and Elvis Merzlikins got into an altercation.

The stage was set for this encounter when Wilson, known for his style of play, made a strong charge towards the net during overtime. However, things took a turn when Wilson lost his balance and slipped on his skate, tumbling into the Blue Jackets' net.

Wilson ended up getting entangled with Merzlikin’s stick and found himself lying on top of it. Merzlikins desperately tried to retrieve his stick from under Wilson's weight.

The situation quickly escalated, as it seemed like Wilson may have unintentionally obstructed Merzlikin's efforts to get his stick back. Frustration got the better of Merzlikins as he started forcefully lunging at Wilson.

In the end, the referees penalized Elvis Merzlikins for roughing. Washington won the game 3-2.