According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets could be eyeing a crease overhaul this summer.

Portzline explained that ever since GM Don Waddell took the job in Columbus, there has been some uncertainty surrounding Elvis Merzlikins' future. Due to his contract, moving or buying him out wasn’t really feasible — until now. Portzline suggested one potential solution to kick-start the revamp in net.

“It’s still highly doubtful that Merzlikins is tradable. But a buyout now would extend four seasons into the future, not six, as it would have if they bought out his contract last summer," Portzline wrote.

According to PuckPedia, a buyout would cost the Blue Jackets $1.5 million against the cap next season, $2.8 million in 2026-27, and $1.63 million for the following two years — a manageable number for the team.

If Columbus did buy out Merzlikins, there are a few potential replacements available in free agency. Portzline mentioned Ilya Samsonov and Frederik Andersen as possible options.

Daniil Tarasov was also mentioned, but given how poorly his season has gone, it looks like Jett Greaves is more likely to take over his spot next year.

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