Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins undergoes shoulder surgery, no timeline on return

The Columbus Blue Jackets will begin the 2026-27 season without their veteran goaltender.

Elvis Merzlikins underwent surgery on Monday to repair an injured shoulder, the Blue Jackets announced on Thursday.

“Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his off-season workouts,” general manager Don Waddell said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

The Latvian appeared in 30 games for the Blue Jackets last season, posting a .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average as he shifted into a backup role from the starting position.

For his career — all of which was played in Columbus — he has a .900 save percentage and 3.22 goals-against average in 274 games.

Merzlikins' absence could suggest a heavier workload for Canadian goalie Jet Greaves , who usurped Merzlikins last season for the starting job. Greaves appeared in 55 games for the Blue Jackets, posting a .908 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average with two shutouts.