All the talk about Jet Greaves is how he has a one-way contract for this upcoming season, and how he and Merzļikins will be the goalie tandem for 2025-26. 

But there’s one thing about Jet Greaves and his contract situation that has been slightly overlooked, and it could be a big deal. Let me stress that it probably WON’T be a big deal, but there’s always a chance. 

Many informed fans have pointed out that Greaves will not only be a UFA after the upcoming season, but will be a Group 6 UFA. Group 6 UFA means that when a player reaches RFA status by a certain age (25) and hasn’t played enough games (28), they become a UFA and can sign with whomever they want. Per Puckpedia.com, “for goalies, this is 28 games with more than 30 minutes of ice time.” The last factor includes professional seasons played(4). Many players around the league walk when they hit G6 status. 

The Blue Jackets must do whatever they can to make sure Greaves hits RFA status, which shouldn’t be an issue. It also explains, at least it’s what I’m choosing to believe, the reason why we saw so much of Jet last season, especially at random times when both Merzļikins and Tarasov were healthy. Get those games in last season, so that this season he could finish off the requirements to remove the Group 6 UFA status in fewer games? Sounds legit. 

Let’s clear up the Jet Greaves situation.

Greaves will be 25 when his deal expires next year. As of right now, he’s played in 21 NHL games and started 20 of those games. According to the Group 6 UFA rules, he’ll need to play in at least 7 games for at least 30 minutes each to check that box in terms of removing the G6 status. He already has the professional seasons box checked at 4, given that he’s played at the ECHL, AHL, and NHL levels. 

So, that’s it. There’s no need to worry about Greaves hitting Group 6, or at least that’s the hope. Barring injuries, of course, I would imagine Greaves probably gets 25-30 starts at minimum, not to mention any games he’ll come in to relieve Elvis should he get pulled in the first 30 minutes of a game. 

So, there you have it. It seems that there is no reason to worry about Jet Greaves and his contract status. I would assume they try to get him signed to an extension at some point this season or just after. 

If Jet comes in and locks down the starters job, I expect a good deal in Greaves' future. 

Let us know what you think below.

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