Overpayment for Merzlikins considering his poor form at the end of the season, Edmonton would probably just go for someone in Free Agency

I actually think this is a negative for both sides. Elvis wasn’t great towards the end of the year but he also was behind one of the worst defenses in the league that should hopefully improve in columbus. PJ would be a nice addition but kassian would be a weird fit given the amount of young forwards columbus has unless they’re trading out a forward.

The other problem is the jackets aren’t gonna trade Elvis. This is a city/fanbase/franchise that is still absolutely devastated by the tragic death of kivi. If kivi doesn’t pass away the jackets trade korpisalo because kivi would be the backup to Elvis until tarasov was ready. Elvis became the glue that held the fanbase together after the death of his fellow countryman and best friend. They extended Elvis just before the accident and i just don’t think trading him is gonna be a viable move while the team still grapples with the loss of kivi and can’t afford to lose another face of the franchise in net. Whether he’s an elite goaltending prospect or not I think he only goes if he asks for a trade out because he can’t play for the team his best friend died with (basically Dany heatley in Atlanta in 2003) which I don’t see happening

It was early in the year through February when he was struggling while he was dealing with his trauma from the events over the summer. He was among the best goalies in the league for gsaa in the last quarter of the season. All that being said, there's no chance Columbus is trading him after they just signed him to a 5 year extension to make him their starting goalie.