Elvis Merzlikins as a trade target for the Edmonton Oilers

To this point, Merzlikins has spent his entire NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Throughout his time with the organization, he has had many ups and downs. Finding a strong consistency in his play has been a tough challenge for him. His rookie season has been his best NHL season based on statistics. After the 2019–20 year, he fell off a bit.

There is no doubt that the loss of fellow goalie Matiss Kivlenieks had a serious effect on his personal life. Merzlikins stated publicly that his teammate died a true hero and that he saved the lives of others. These two Latvian goalies were set to be the future tandem in Columbus.

After many up and down seasons, Merzlikins has really turned his play around to start this season. He currently holds a 4–1 record along with a 0.915 save percentage. The Blue Jackets just barely missed out on a playoff spot last year, so there is no doubt that the team is hungry to get into the playoffs now.

However, one could question whether or not the Blue Jackets should do this with Merzlikins as their number one guy. With his strong start, he could attract attention from contending NHL teams in need of a goalie. The Edmonton Oilers fit that situation perfectly.

Career achievements for Merzlikins

Elvis Merzlikins has a lot to be proud of in his career. First of all, he is one of the rare Latvian players in the NHL. Not too many make it in the NHL and have long-term careers, so that alone is a major accomplishment for him and his country.

Merzlikins has had the pleasure of representing his country on the national stage. He played for Team Latvia at the 2012 and 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships, where he made three appearances in each tournament. The goalie has also played for Team Latvia at six Men’s World Championships. Merzlikins has some great statistics at this tournament, but unfortunately, he was not on the Latvia team in 2023 that captured bronze against the United States.

Going forward, the 31-year-old goalie has plenty to look forward to. The Blue Jackets are a team that is on the rise, and he has already been named to Latvia’s roster at the 2026 Olympics. Here, he will get to represent Latvia on the biggest stage possible in front of the entire world. His performance at the Olympics could solidify him a spot in Latvian hockey history.

Should the Oilers pursue Merzlikins?

In my opinion, I think pursuing Merzlikins is a toss-up for the Oilers. Yes, they need a better goalie, but I believe taking Merzlikins could be a big risk. The current duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard is just awful. They have made it to the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons, but they have not been able to get it done when everything is on the line. I do believe that the Oilers must find a new goalie before the playoffs begin (yes, they will make it; they have just had a slow start).

Now, the Oilers did acquire Conor Ingram when he was placed on waivers by Utah. He has played in two games for the Bakersfield Condors and was acceptable in his debut. I would not be surprised if Ingram eventually gets some time with the Oilers this season. Although that may take a bit of time, considering that Ingram is just returning from the NHL Players’ Assistance Program. The goalie took a leave of absence due to personal reasons, and seems fit to return.

Merzlikins is in the second-to-last year of his contract. This deal does have some weight to it, as he makes over $5M a season. He also has a ten-team no-trade clause, so depending on whether or not the Oilers are on there, this deal may never happen. Looking at the Oilers’ current cap situation, this is a highly unlikely trade acquisition. They simply have no cap space and would have to at least make a couple of moves to make room for Merzlikins. However, to win the Cup, a team must do whatever it takes to win.

Do you think the Oilers should pursue Merzlikins?