REPORT: Starting Goaltender Set To Be Traded Following Mutual Agreement

The Blue Jackets are without a doubt still in the midst of their rebuild. While the team has solid pieces to build on in the future, they are still multiple star players away from being a contending team. As a result, they will certainly be sellers at the trade deadline and Elvis Merzlikins could be the first to go.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that both the team and Merzlikins have agreed that it may be time for them to part ways. It seems then that the player may have been given permission to seek a trade, but the team was likely already working on that anyways.

One team that has consistently been involved in trade rumors regarding goalies is the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have been in desperate need for help in goal since Jack Campbell was sent down to the AHL for his poor play. While Calvin Pickard has given the team an admirable effort in his callup, the team will not want to go into the playoffs with him as the backup. Now the team could be interested in Merzlikins.

The Oilers have managed to put themselves back into a playoff spot so now is the time for them to solidify their roster for the future. Goaltending has been the biggest problem for the team dating back to before this season anyways so it would make sense for them to try and find a long-term solution. Clearly, Jack Campbell is not the answer to their problems.