Elvis Merzlikins remains on the Columbus blue Jackets for now, and the speculation out there doesn't suggest a trade is imminent. Elvis Merzlikins [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNzQwMzYwMzk5MTM2NTQ0/usatsi_21795966_168400847_lowres.jpg] Elvis Merzlikins Earlier this week [https://thehockeynews.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-shopping-elvis-merzlikins], we noted the Columbus Blue Jackets and Elvis Merzlikins could part ways after the 29-year-old goaltender said he and management mutually agreed to explore a “new scenario.” Following Monday's shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks, Merzlikins clarified his remarks to NHL.com [https://www.nhl.com/news/elvis-merzlikins-requests-trade-from-columbus-blue-jackets] to confirm that he requested a trade. Appearing on the NHL Network [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZnyVcuHL8o&ab_channel=NHLNetwork] on Tuesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said it was common knowledge that the relationship between Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets has gone sour. He believes most teams weren't surprised and probably already knew he was available. Friedman felt moving Merzlikins would be difficult because of his contract. He's earning an average annual value of $5.4 million through 2026-27 and carries a 10-team no-trade clause. Meanwhile, TSN's Pierre LeBrun [https://www.spectorshockey.net/2024/01/nhl-rumor-mill-january-17-2024/] reported there currently aren't any takers for Merzlikins. He cited the contract as one reason but also his performance, suggesting the netminder will have to improve if he wants to stoke his value in the trade market. Even if Merzlikins elevates his game in the coming weeks, his contract will remain a stumbling block. Friedman said there's a price to be paid for the goalie as well as a price to pay to convince the Blue Jackets to retain part of his cap hit. In other words, a deal packaged with a sweetener like a draft pick or price. Several clubs could be in the market for help between the pipes. The Athletic's Aaron Portzline [https://theathletic.com/5207196/2024/01/17/elvis-merzlikins-blue-jackets-trade-options/] duly noted Merzlikins' contract and performance issues but suggested the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils as possible destinations. Merzlikins' attitude could also be a sticking point. His on-ice attack on Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson during a game last month [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc7ESq9UR1U&ab_channel=SPORTSNET] and subsequent benching could hurt his trade stock. An improved and disciplined effort on Merzlikins' part between now and the trade deadline could make him more enticing for clubs seeking a starting goaltender. As we previously noted, however, his contract likely means the Jackets will have better luck finding suitors in the off-season when clubs have more cap room. Elvis Merzlikins remains on the Columbus blue Jackets for now, and the speculation out there doesn't suggest a trade is imminent. THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTg5MzM3NTA5NzY2MjUy/my-thn-ad-banner-1500x150.jpg] THN.com/free
