NHL Clubs Can Buy Out Contracts Until End of June – Is Columbus Parting Ways with Merzlikins?

The National Hockey League (NHL) has opened a window for clubs to buy out player contracts, effective approximately 48 hours after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final and running until June 30. Attention has turned to Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Journalist Aaron Portzline, who covers the Blue Jackets, clarified on social media that a buyout of Merzlikins is not in the plans. Merzlikins signed a five-year, $27 million contract with Columbus in 2021, which still has one season remaining. A buyout would spread his salary over two years, but the team appears to be avoiding that move.

Last season, Merzlikins served as the backup to Canadian Jet Greaves, who became the team's starter in his first full NHL season. Greaves played 55 games, earning 26 wins with a 2.6 goals-against average and a 90.8% save percentage. Merzlikins appeared in 30 games, posting 14 wins, a 3.4 GAA, and an 88.3% save percentage. Greaves is now a restricted free agent and is expected to be re-signed by the Blue Jackets.

While a buyout is unlikely, a trade remains possible. Similar speculation has circulated in North American media for years, but no deal has materialized. Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness revealed after the season that Merzlikins told him he considers himself the team's number one goaltender. Bowness encouraged Merzlikins to arrive at training camp in excellent physical condition to prove himself and promised him a chance to earn the starting role.