NHL Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets open to moving a goaltender
According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Columbus Blue Jackets are listening to offers for both of their goaltenders.
The goalie market this offseason is already insane. There are a variety of options available in both free agency and on the trade market. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Columbus Blue Jackets are listening to offers for both Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins.
This rumor comes from Pierre LeBrun, who said this on an edition of Insider Trading on TSN. According to LeBrun, they’d like a significant return for either of them. Ideally, the Blue Jackets would like to move one of them for a top two center.
Korpisalo has two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $2.8 million. Meanwhile, Merzlikins has two years left on his recently signed deal with a cap hit of $4 million. Teams are likely more interested in the latter than the former because Merzlikins put up better numbers last season.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
During the regular season, Merzlikins put up a .923% save percentage and even managed to get some Calder Trophy votes. He also put up a .946% save percentage in two games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Meanwhile, Korpisalo had a .911% save percentage during the regular season in 37 games. In the postseason, though, he was was one of the biggest breakout stars, as he had a .941% save percentage in nine games. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Korpisalo had a .956% save percentage, only allowing five goals despite facing 114 shots on goal.
The Blue Jackets were among the worst scoring teams in the NHL last offseason, so it shouldn’t be surprising they’ll looking to upgrade on offense. They’re still feeling the effects of going “all in” last season at the trade deadline, though, so in an ideal world, they’ll get what they want without giving up draft picks. But that might not be possible.
Next. Top 5 Trade Candidates This Offseason. dark
Merzlikins won’t be eligible for the expansion draft since next year will be his second professional season. Korpisalo, however, will be. That might very well play a huge role in who gets traded, and when.