Tough Break For Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins, Out Indefinitely After Surgery
Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has undergone successful surgery for a shoulder injury, and there is no timetable for his return 🤕
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) August 20, 2026
Merzlikins began experiencing discomfort during offseason workouts, and following an MRI, surgery was determined to be the best course of… pic.twitter.com/wFbeSNUqoK
Merzlikins was set to resume his role as backup to starter Jet Greaves this coming season, but he began to develop a shoulder issue during offseason workouts. Medical imaging determined the extent of the injury.
"Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts," Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell said. "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 timing, of course, is not ideal, with training camps opening in less than a month.
34-year-old Pheonix Copley will take on the backup duties while Merzlikins is out.
Last season, Merzlikins lost his starter's role in Columbus to their top goaltending prospect Greaves. The 25-year-old posted a .908 save percentage and a 2.60 goals against average in 53 starts. Elvis wasn't exactly left in heartbreak hotel, as he still started 29 games for the Blue Jackets, but his .883 Sv% was far inferior to Greaves'.
As for Copley, he has played a grand total of just two NHL games across the last two seasons, and only 10 in total for the past three years, all with the LA Kings. He has kept himself busy in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, where he posted a 21-11-1 mark with a .901 Sv% and 2.59 GAA this past season.