# NHL goaltending injury and roster uncertainty

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-goaltending-injury-and-roster-uncertainty
> Updated: 2026-08-21T00:00:11.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent successful shoulder surgery following discomfort discovered during offseason workouts. General Manager Don Waddell indicated that an MRI necessitated the procedure. Merzlikins is sidelined indefinitely and will be re-evaluated in several weeks to determine a return timeline.

This injury has created goaltending uncertainty for the Blue Jackets, who are expected to rely on Jet Greaves as the primary starter and Phoenix Copley as the backup. The situation coincides with broader goaltending management issues across the NHL, including trade speculation surrounding Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets face goaltending uncertainty

The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets face goaltending uncertainty following Elvis Merzlikins' shoulder surgery and ongoing trade speculation regarding Samuel Montembeault.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-and-columbus-blue-jackets-face-goaltending-uncertainty

### 2026-08-20: Elvis Merzlikins sidelined indefinitely after shoulder surgery

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is out indefinitely following shoulder surgery. He will be re-evaluated in several weeks, leaving Pheonix Copley to back up starter Jet Greaves.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elvis-merzlikins-sidelined-indefinitely-after-shoulder-surgery

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Cite as: NHL goaltending injury and roster uncertainty. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-goaltending-injury-and-roster-uncertainty