Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery earlier this week to repair an injured shoulder, the team announced Thursday.
“Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action.
“He’ll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we’ll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice.”
Merzlikins, 32, is entering the final season of a five-year, $27 million contract.
He posted a 14-11-3 record with one shutout, an .883 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average in 30 games (29 starts) while splitting net duties with Jet Greaves last season.
Merzlikins is 108-111-38 with 12 shutouts, a 3.22 GAA and .900 save percentage in 274 regular-season games (258 starts) since being selected by the Blue Jackets in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft.