Significant goaltending injury opens the door for a Samuel Montembeault trade
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Columbus just got a reason to pick up the phone on a veteran goaltender. The Blue Jackets announced Thursday that Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery and will be out indefinitely, a significant blow just weeks before training camp opens on September 16.
This news came courtesy of Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell.
Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts. 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.
That leaves Jet Greaves, fresh off a three-year extension, as the unquestioned starter, with Pheonix Copley now pushed into a backup role he wasn't necessarily projected to fill on opening night.
It's a workable tandem, but thin if Merzlikins' recovery drags into the season.
Montreal's Surplus Could Solve Columbus' Problem
Enter Samuel Montembeault. The Canadiens are carrying three legitimate NHL goaltenders between Montembeault, Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, a logjam that makes moving one of them increasingly logical.
Montembeault, with starter's experience and a track record of carrying a playoff push, is the most likely to be dealt for futures or roster help.
A Fit Built On Timing
For Columbus, adding a proven veteran behind Greaves would insulate the crease against exactly this kind of scenario, an injury forcing too much workload onto a young starter.
Montembeault gives the Blue Jackets a capable stopgap or long-term backup without disrupting Greaves' development.
This piece reflects speculative trade analysis based on roster situations and is not a confirmed report.
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