Elvis Merzlikins made news when he met the media in Columbus on Friday after not playing for several games. After backstopping the Blue Jackets to a 4-3 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, he clarified his comments.
Merzlikins has requested a trade from the Blue Jackets.
On Friday, Merzlikins said that there was a request “for a new scenario.” However at that time, he didn’t indicate if that meant a trade request or not. He made it clear he wasn’t a backup goaltender and expressed his desire to be a number one. The new scenario could have meant more playing time as the number one.
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Here is what Merzlikins said to the media postgame that clarified his Friday comments. The audio is courtesy of Coby Maier of First Ohio Battery.
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“It was difficult to feel the puck,” Merzlikins said of his game against the Canucks. “Each period I was feeling better and better and more comfortable. I’m not happy about my third goal when I got to PK on the short side. But honestly I don’t really care about it. It was a long time I didn’t play. Overtime and penalty shots felt good and I had to make it done. I had to do this. I’m really happy for the win and I’m really happy for the boys.”
“After my last interview that everyone knows I requested for trade, everyone was still here playing for me and they’re playing for me and blocking the shots for me and this is awesome. I really appreciate them. It was a (really easy) game for me.”
As for what happens next is to be determined. Merzlikins had three seasons left on his contract at $5.4 million per season. While it’s expected there will be some interest in him, the challenge will be to fit his contract in. It might take the offseason or a team willing to make the deal if the Blue Jackets elect to retain salary.
Stay tuned on this one. The story is just beginning to write itself.