Note: Reports prior to Sept 2023 were originally graded out of ten, and also included additional categories that have been merged into the current categories.
This likely results in the overall ratings prior to 2023 being decreased in comparison to reports since Sept 2023.For an `Apples to Apples` comparison between players, we recommend only comparing reports before, or after, Sept 2023.
Results will average out accordingly as more data is accumulated.
Events
Birthday: Apr. 13, 1994
Height: 6' 3 | 191 cm
Weight: 181 lbs | 82 kg
Drafted: 76 overall, 2014 round 3 (
CBJ)
Reports
Jan. 2, 2024 (Updated Jan. 7, 2024)
Contract: $27,000,000 over 5 years (Cap hit: $5,400,000)
Position scouted: Goaltender
Age when scouted: 29
Projection: #1B
Trending: Under NHL Contract
There are nights Merzlikins looks like he's capable of being a trusted #1A NHL puck stopper
There are other nights he has looked the complete opposite.
His results have ranged.
Big body. Athletic. Sits low in his butterfly - affecting stick angle and amount of net he exposes over his gloves. Rebound control is an area of concern. Too many second chances against when he doesn't track properly / drop in time to make controlled saves.
Looks capable of more. Is it the environment? Or is he part of the issue? Trending #1B - Signed to contract through 26/27 - 5.4M AAV - 10 Team No Trade List
Stats Powered by
Elite Prospects| Season | Team | League | GP | GAA | Sv% |
|---|
| 2023-24 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 41 | 3.45 | 0.897 |
| 2022-23 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 30 | 4.23 | 0.876 |
| 2021-22 | Latvia (all) | International | 6 | 3.57 | 0.878 |
| 2021-22 | Latvia | WC | 5 | 4.26 | 0.862 |
| 2021-22 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 59 | 3.22 | 0.907 |
- Blocker: 69
- Compete/Consistency: 79
- Glove: 79
- High Net Coverage: 79
- Lateral Quickness: 80
- Low Net Coverage: 79
- Positioning: 75
- Puck Play: 79
- Rebound Control: 70
- Stops in Traffic: 75
Nov. 22, 2023 (Updated Nov. 24, 2023)
Contract: $27,000,000 over 5 years (Cap hit: $5,400,000)
Position scouted: Goaltender
Age when scouted: 29
Projection: #1B
Trending: Under NHL Contract
The Blue Jackets aren't an easy team to tend net for on any given night, but Merzlikins has room for more consistent contribution.
Big body. Athletic. Good feet. Butterfly style. Active in the crease at times.
Rebound control ranges. He battles to make second, sometimes third stops, but pucks have been bounding off him into scoring areas.
Competes. Doesn't quit on pucks. Gets caught too deep in his crease when defending against a speed rush, which opens up too much room for shooters.
Through his first 10 starts this season he has a record of 4W - 6L - .899 save % and 3.28 GAA
Struggles with some inconsistency.
Stats Powered by
Elite Prospects| Season | Team | League | GP | GAA | Sv% |
|---|
| 2023-24 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 41 | 3.45 | 0.897 |
| 2022-23 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 30 | 4.23 | 0.876 |
| 2021-22 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 59 | 3.22 | 0.907 |
| 2021-22 | Latvia (all) | International | 6 | 3.57 | 0.878 |
| 2021-22 | Latvia | WC | 5 | 4.26 | 0.862 |
- Blocker: 69
- Compete/Consistency: 79
- Glove: 79
- High Net Coverage: 79
- Lateral Quickness: 80
- Low Net Coverage: 79
- Positioning: 75
- Puck Play: 79
- Rebound Control: 70
- Stops in Traffic: 75
Weighting
- 20%: Compete/Consistency
- 10%: Blocker, Glove, High Net Coverage, Lateral Quickness, Low Net Coverage, Positioning, Stops in Traffic,
- 8%: Rebound Control
- 2%: Puck Play
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