The Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie Future Is Poorly-Lit, But Not Dark
The words "goaltending" and "Columbus Blue Jackets" don't inspire a ton of hope around the city, and to be honest they never have.
There have been a few bright spots in net during the 23-year history, however. Elvis Merzlikins, Joonas Korpisalo, and Steve Mason are the obvious ones, with Sergei Bobrovsky being the gold standard for Blue Jacket goalies.
But with the news that Elvis Merzlikins wants out of Columbus, that left everyone wondering, "What now?" Daniil Tarasov hasn't been what everyone thought he would be. Obviously, there's still time for him, as he's only 24, but it's clear that the CBJ doesn't want to give up him just yet, as they were willing to sacrifice Elvis Merzlikins.
Let's take a look at who the Jackets have in the system.
Daniil Tarasov - Columbus Blue Jackets - 2017 3rd round, 24th pick
Tarasov has only played in 29 career games, starting 27 of those. He currently has a record of 6-17-3 with a save % of .893. He's been injured for a large part of the last few seasons and hasn't played a ton of games in Cleveland or Columbus. The 23-24 season was supposed to be the year he got his first real NHL time, but last season his development was derailed due to the constant injuries with Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo, and was forced to play in Columbus.
Jet Greaves - Cleveland Monsters - Undrafted
Greaves is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and from all accounts, he's a CBJ front-office favorite as well. The undrafted 22-year-old has done a marvelous job in Cleveland the last three years. Every year he's gotten better, something you love to see with goalies. The 2024 AHL All-Star has a career record of 48-33-8-4 with a save % of .904. This season he has a record of 17-5-1-1 with a save % of .911. In three career games with the CBJ, he's 1-2 with a save % of .936. He's played unreal in his three appearances for Columbus.
Pavel Cajan - Kalamazoo Wings - Undrafted
Cajan hasn't signed with the Blue Jackets. He's instead been signed a minor-league deal with the Monsters. Considered a long shot to make it to the NHL, Cajan could be considered a true depth goalie for the organization and could prove valuable down the line. Cajan is 12-14-3 with a save % of .880 in his Cleveland career. Cajan was loaned to Kalamazoo a week ago to get some games in. The Monsters will be making a strong playoff push this year, and Jet Greaves doesn't look like he's going to give up his crease that easily.
Nolan Lalonde - Saginaw Spirit (OHL) - Undrafted
Another undrafted goaltender, the 19-year-old goalie turns 20 next month, meaning he should be eligible for the AHL after his OHL season ends. The Monsters plan on making a deep playoff run and will need goalie depth. Lalonde has signed his ELC but is "slide" eligible. If the Jackets choose to burn a year, which is doubtful, we could see him play a game or two for Columbus very late in the season, doubtful but possible. Lalonde is a combined 10-6-1 in junior this year for the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters.
Sergei Ivanov - Admiral Vladivostok (KHL) - 2022 5th round, 9th pick
Ivanov will turn 20 in April, and could very well sign his ELC and come to North America after the KHL season ends. Ivanov has a combined record of 6-11 for Admiral and SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. His save % is over .931 as well. One scout says of Ivanov, "He reads play at a high level, has great hands, sticks with shooters, and plays the game with the control needed in smaller goaltenders (who require more movement)."
Melvin Strahl - MoDo Hockey J20 - 5th round, 28th pick
Strahl is young at only 18, but he has size. Standing at 6-foot-3, he's the tallest prospect with only Tarasov being taller. Some experts said he was a steal as a 5th round pick. Strahl has a record of 10-12 with a .909 save % with his Swedish Junior team MoDo. It should be 3 or 4 years before we could see him in North America.
What Does The Future Look Like?
It's hard to tell what the future is in net for the CBJ. Fans all over the league are wondering why the Jackets would give up on Merzlikins, especially in a year where he seemed to finally turn it around. Vincent has said that it's just to see what Tarasov has, and to get some games in.
While I understand there are certain circumstances like Tarasov needing waivers to go to the AHL, it seems like there could be a better way. Using three goalies is not the way to get this done. Martin proved to be a huge help when Tarasov was on IR, but when Tarasov came back, that should've been the end of his tenure.
Elvis and Tarasov should be splitting time, not being scratched.
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Next Up: The Blue Jackets welcome the New Jersey Devils into Nationwide Arena on Friday.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.