Merzliks traded from Columbus to Toronto Maple Leafs
Latvian national team goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Toronto Maple Leafs, joining fellow Latvian Teodors Blugers. The goalie underwent shoulder surgery before the season and will miss its start.
NHL club the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Latvian national team goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Merzlikins joins another Latvian player already on Toronto's roster, defenseman Teodors Blugers.
As part of the deal, Toronto also receives forwards Kirill Marchenko and Miles Wood. In return, Columbus gets forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a draft pick.
Goaltender recently underwent surgery
The 32-year-old Merzlikins had shoulder surgery ahead of the new season and will miss the opening stretch of games. It is not yet known exactly when he will be able to return to the ice.
Last season, Merzlikins played 30 games, allowing an average of 3.4 goals per game with a save percentage of 88.3%. He had one year remaining on his five-year contract with the Blue Jackets.
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