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

August 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM ET|Comments (0)

from Sportsnet,

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.

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