Elvis Merzlikins may not have won any NHL trophies, but he represented the Columbus Blue Jackets well during award season.
The 26-year old finished 5th in both Vezina Trophy (top goalie) and Calder Trophy (top rookie) voting while also being named to the NHL All-Rookie team, joining Steve Mason as the only two Blue Jackets' goaltenders in franchise history to claim the honor.
Vezina Trophy voting (selected by NHL GMs): pic.twitter.com/DGB00ups8m
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 21, 2020
After a rocky start to his NHL career, he bounced back in a major way, ultimately leading all NHL rookie netminders (min 20 games) in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts, while also ranking third in wins despite platooning time with Joonas Korpisalo.
All-Rookie! #CBJ | @Merzly30 https://t.co/hXOG7EDKsP
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 21, 2020
He fared well among his non-rookie peers, as well. Among all NHL goalies, he ranked second in shutouts and fifth in goals-against average and save percentage.
Merzlikins wasn't the only Columbus player to be recognized during award season. Zach Werenski and Seth Jones also finished 8th and t-11th, respectively, in Norris Trophy voting, which goes to the top defenseman in the NHL.
#CBJ G Elvis Merzlikins named to the #NHL All-Rookie Team: pic.twitter.com/YzXT4ead5k
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 21, 2020
The Latvian is the fifth player in Blue Jackets franchise history to be named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team, joining defenseman Rostislav Klesla (2001-02), forward Rick Nash (2002-03), the aforementioned Mason (2008-09) and defenseman Zach Werenski (2016-17).
Merzlikins is signed with the Blue Jackets through 2021-22 at $4M per season.
