The case of Elvis Merzlikins is causing a lot of talk in Columbus these days, the goaltender is unhappy with his playing time and the departure of his teammate Spencer Martin due to waivers could ease his burden.
Before being acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, the 28-year-old Ontario native had a few starts at the expense of Merzlikins, who also has to contend with the presence of Daniil Tarasov in front of the net. The Latvian wanted to be traded and this menage a trois could have been the reason.
• Also read: Elvis Merzlikins needs to play better if he wants to leave the Blue Jackets
• Also read: NHL: It's raining goalies on the transaction market
Martin played 13 games for the Blue Jackets. He maintained a record of 3-8-1, a save percentage of .887 and a goals-against average of 3.65. Columbus also acquired him via waiver and stole him from the Vancouver Canucks on September 29th.
The Hurricanes had an urgent need in front of their goal. Less than a week ago they reported that Pyotr Kochetkov had suffered a concussion and would be out indefinitely.
It was the second Canes goaltender to be sidelined, as Frederik Andersen was out since Nov. 2 with a blood clot issue. Antti Raanta and Quebecer Yaniv Perets, recalled from the ECHL, scored the goals last week.