Elvis Merzlikins has handed Rick Bowness an early crease concern after undergoing shoulder surgery with no timetable for his return.
Don Waddell said Merzlikins informed Columbus several weeks ago that he was experiencing discomfort in his shoulder during offseason workouts.
That discomfort eventually led to surgery, immediately creating uncertainty around how much work Merzlikins will be able to handle when training camp opens.
The Blue Jackets have not announced a return date. That leaves Bowness preparing for camp without knowing exactly when one of his NHL goaltenders will be cleared.
The timing is uncomfortable because shoulder issues can directly affect a goalie's ability to manage shots, recover around the crease and maintain his normal practice workload.
Columbus now has to avoid forcing the process simply because the season is approaching. A delayed start would be easier to manage than pushing Merzlikins before his shoulder is ready.
" NEWS: #CBJ goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury. There is no timetable for his return.
GM Don Waddell: “Elvis informed us a few weeks ago he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts .. 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.” "
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Concerning Elvis Merzlikins injury update emerges with no return timeline
This also puts more pressure on the rest of the Blue Jackets' goaltending depth. Bowness may need to distribute preseason starts differently while Merzlikins works through his recovery.
The uncertainty could influence roster decisions as well. If his absence stretches toward opening night, Waddell may need to decide whether the organization has enough insurance internally.
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There is no indication yet that Columbus is looking for outside help. Without a timetable, making an aggressive move now would be premature.
But the situation becomes harder to ignore if Merzlikins cannot participate when camp begins. Every missed practice would increase attention on who handles the available crease time.
For Merzlikins, the priority is getting the shoulder strong enough that this does not become a recurring issue once the schedule gets heavier.
Bowness also needs clarity before setting his early-season rotation. Goaltending plans can change quickly when one option enters camp on a separate recovery schedule.
The Blue Jackets at least know what they are dealing with now. The discomfort has been addressed surgically rather than lingering quietly through offseason workouts.
What they do not know is when Elvis Merzlikins will be back. With camp getting closer, that unanswered return date has become one of Columbus' first major preseason concerns.
Should Columbus add another goaltender if Elvis Merzlikins is not ready for opening night?
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