Elvis Merzlikins won his most recent outing on Monday afternoon in the Columbus Blue Jackets' shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
In the postgame, Merzlikins admitted he did request a trade after being relegated to backup duty following his Dec. 29 start.
On Tuesday, Coby Maeir wrote about how tough it would be to trade Merzlikins, particularly due to his $5.4 million cap hit for the next three seasons.
In my most recent article from Monday, I referenced The Athletic's Aaron Portzline (original story here), who said the following about Merzlikins and possible tension with teammates:
The Blue Jackets have wanted Merzlikins to embrace all aspects of being a No. 1 goaltender in the NHL — the consistently high level of play, of course, but also being a reliable and steadying influence in the dressing room.
Nobody will speak publicly about this issue, but multiple sources have told The Athletic — not just this year, but over the last few years — that Merzlikins is a source of frustration for some players in the room. They’re not sure he’s ever going to embrace the franchise goaltender’s role entirely.
It's unclear who the 'multiple sources' are and what they have said, but Merzlikins appreciated his teammates' effort in Monday's win.
"I'm really happy for the boys," Merzlikins said. "After my last interview, everyone knows I requested (a) trade, everyone was playing for me and blocking shots for me. I really appreciate them."
Heres the audio of when Elvis Merzlikins said he requested a trade during his postgame media availability today. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/W0oPvXzOsA
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 15, 2024
It might not be too surprising that Merzlikins requested a trade since he admitted he and the team agreed to a "new scenario."
On Tuesday, ESPN's Ray Ferraro and TSN's Darren Dreger talked about what's going on in Columbus on the Ray & Dregs Podcast, and Dreger asked the million-dollar question.
"What is the market for a guy who's a $5.4 million cap hit for the rest of this year, plus three more after this year?"
"It's slightly better than acquiring us to play goal," Ferraro quipped. "There's no chance.
"I get he's frustrated and mad, and angry, but he hasn't stopped the puck very well and he's got this contract with him.
"And so the first thing I thought of was, 'Wonder if there's a deal with Edmonton in there somewhere.'
"But does that help you at all? Is he better than (Stuart) Skinner?
"Because if he's not, and I don't think he is, why would you pay a guy $5.4 million to wear a ball hat? You wouldn't.
"This looks like a deal that if it's going to happen, it's going to be in the summer when teams can figure out more of their cap and they've got a little more space.
"It's going to be really challenging. It's also going to be challenging if he plays once every three weeks."
Ferraro hit the nail on the head with his next point.
"Isn't it amazing that (drama in Columbus) just seems to stick there?" Ferraro said. It's one after another, and it really can't be. It makes me think if they're really going to change the culture there, they've got to change everything.
"They've been really close for a little bit, and then it's kind of gone to tatters now."
While this isn't exactly news to us, in terms of what Blue Jackets fans think of the team, it pinpoints what's ailing the franchise.
Even if there isn't an easy solution for any of the problems, this isn't the first time this season the national media has talked about Columbus, and though the narratives are negative, it could help prompt needed change.
