Last week the Columbus Blue Jackets signed goalie Elvis Merzlikins, to a five-year contract extension worth $27 million. With Joonas Korpisalo set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he will likely be traded at some point this season.
Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reports the Blue Jackets had a tough choice while mulling the risk of losing both as free agents next summer. The salary now invested in Merzlikins indicates he’s their pick going forward.
Hedger went on to say, even if Korpisalo outplays Merzlikins during the season, the Blue Jackets will likely not retain him.
If Columbus is out of a playoff position by the 2022 NHL trade deadline, you can expect the Blue Jackets to be trading Koprisalo to a playoff contender that needs a solid backup goalie.
