Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets face goaltending uncertainty

The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets are facing evolving goaltending situations as the NHL season approaches. Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday, with no current timetable for his return. This injury creates uncertainty for Columbus, where Jet Greaves is the established starter and Phoenix Copley is expected to serve as backup via the AHL's Cleveland Monsters.

In Montreal, the Canadiens are managing a crowded crease with Samuel Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler. Montembeault, who finished the previous season with a .872 save percentage, has been the subject of trade speculation. Given the difficulty of obtaining high value in the current goaltending market and the team's decision not to buy out his $3.15 million contract, the Canadiens may look to teams with significant cap space as potential trade partners.