The Columbus Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins, Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine are surfacing in media trade speculation as the team struggles again.

The 2023 NHL holiday roster freeze from Dec. 20 to Dec. 27 is underway, but it's done nothing to cool down the trade rumor mill. Before the freeze began, there was speculation about a couple of notable members of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

During Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said a couple of sources suggested the possibility of moving Elvis Merzlikins. He speculated that the 29-year-old goaltender and Blue Jackets management might feel it's time to part ways.

Meanwhile, Philly Hockey Now's Jonathan Bailey cited a recent report by the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, claiming a league executive said the Jackets “are willing to discuss just about anybody.” Bailey wondered if Johnny Gaudreau might be up for grabs and what it might cost the Philadelphia Flyers to acquire him.

Gaudreau and Merzlikins aren't the only notable Blue Jacket to pop up in media trade chatter. Patrik Laine was also mentioned before he was sidelined for six weeks with a fractured clavicle.

With the Jackets mired once again near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, there could be significant changes throughout the organization in 2024. Perhaps Laine, Gaudreau or Merzlikins will be part of a roster shakeup.

Their contracts, however, will be difficult to move.

Gaudreau carries a $9.75 average annual value through 2028-29 with a full no-movement clause through 2025-26, according to PuckPedia. Laine's is under contract until the end of 2025-26 with an $8.7-million AAV and a 10-team no-trade clause. Merzlikins runs through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. 

If any of those three players get moved, it'll likely be in the off-season when potential suitors have the cap space to acquire them.