Korpisalo vs. Merzlikins

[SeaDawg]

By all accounts from those who watched Elvis play overseas, he is a very talented goalie. I also think the one-year deal was a "prove it" contract for both Elvis and Columbus. I suspect Elvis wants to be a starter, so if he isn't given that role, he can go back to Europe after the year is over. And if he doesn't play well, Columbus isn't locked in with him long-term.

I believe it is in the best interest of both parties that Elvis is given the starting job sooner than later.

[lucafen4]

By all accounts from those who watched Elvis play overseas, he is a very talented goalie. I also think the one-year deal was a "prove it" contract for both Elvis and Columbus. I suspect Elvis wants to be a starter, so if he isn't given that role, he can go back to Europe after the year is over. And if he doesn't play well, Columbus isn't locked in with him long-term.

I believe it is in the best interest of both parties that Elvis is given the starting job sooner than later.

Someone with more contract knowledge can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Merzlikins was only eligible for a 1yr deal due to his age

[Dennis]

The ELC he signed at the end of last season had to be a one-year. His new contract is a show-me-what-you-got deal.

[ericdaoust]

Merzlikins could have signed up to 8 years as an RFA I believe. The one-year deal works best for him anyway because if things don't work out in the NHL he will always have offers overseas.

[SeaDawg]

Merzlikins could have signed up to 8 years as an RFA I believe. The one-year deal works best for him anyway because if things don't work out in the NHL he will always have offers overseas.

I believe that is what I read shortly after the signing. Rumor is that Merzlikins only wants to be a starter and would rather play in Europe than be a backup in the NHL. Therefore, he agreed to the one-year deal to prove himself but also to give him the flexibility to go back to Europe if he doesn't like his situation.

This doesn't mean he will be the starter. Tortorella will play whichever goalie is playing better, but I do believe Merzlikins' contract situation and threat to return to Europe will be a factor.

[ericdaoust]

I'm not sure if it's exactly starter or bust for Merzlikins. I don't think he's a fan of being given development time in the minors though.

[Bobby4Ever]

I'm not sure if it's exactly starter or bust for Merzlikins. I don't think he's a fan of being given development time in the minors though.

You are correct in that Merzlikins didn't want to play in the AHL , he burned his 1 yr. entry level deal this past season so he could sign a 1 way NHL deal. https://theathletic.com/878985/2019/...ahl-cleveland/

[Bobby4Ever]

From what i have read he can still be sent to the minors as he is exempt from waivers so Jackets may still sign another G.

[Dennis]

One way deal has nothing to do with being sent to the AHL. Anyone without a No Movement Clause can be sent down. What Elvis refused to do last spring was sign an AHL Professional Try-out contract so he could play for the Cleveland Monsters pushing his ELC to this year. And he was entirely right to do so. Asking a 25 year-old athlete to push his career back an entire year for a handful of try-out games is ridiculous.

Of course Elvis doesn't want to play in the AHL but he may not have a choice (I don't think he has a European out-clause but I'm not confident.)

[ericdaoust]

One-way deal only guarantees his NHL-level salary, which is also appealing to someone like Merzlikins who has options. Waiver exemption is based on age and experience.

[Zorro]

Elvis has left the building......Or did he just arrive??

[agentzero]

Elvis has left the building......Or did he just arrive??

See what I mean???

[butch]

all bets are off with torts behind the bench

[Bobby4Ever]

all bets are off with torts behind the bench

i agree , Torts isn't gonna let Merzlikins walk in and take the starting G job , he's gonna have to earn it. Regardless of Korpi's less than quality play as backup, he's paid his dues and will at least get a solid chance to be #1. Torts has spoken well of Korpisalo in the past so i see that in his favor. But i wouldn't say that Merzlikins won't bump him by midseason

[lucafen4]

Torts trusted Korpisalo so much they brought in Kinkaid for the playoffs.
Liking him and trusting him are two different things
If Elvis plays better, Torts will give him more starts.
Fully expect this to be a 1A 1AB situation most of the year. Take the hot hand - even moreso than NYI did last yera