Fun fact: Merzlikins is fluent in four languages: English, Latvian, Russian and Italian. He has always been a globetrotter, growing up speaking Latvian in his home country and also learning Russian. He then learned Italian while playing for HC Lugano. He has also become fluent in English since joining the Blue Jackets in 2019.
Interesting statistics: Merzlikins was one of five Latvians to play in the NHL last season, and two of them are goalies alongside Vancouver’s Arturs Silovs. Goalkeeping seems to be a passion in Latvia, as six of the 28 Latvian-born players have been between the posts. Three of them were under contract with the Blue Jackets – Merzlikins, the late Matiss Kivlenieks and the king of all Latvian goalies, Arturs Irbe, who signed with the CBJ in 2004-05 but did not play because of the lost season.
Expectations for 2024-25: Merzlikins is entering the third year of his five-year contract and has received a major vote of confidence from new general manager Don Waddell. He has praised the goaltender’s talent and is looking to get him back to his old form. There’s no doubt that Merzlikins is one of the most athletic goalies in the NHL, but consistency has been the biggest issue over the past few seasons. Although it looks like Merzlikins will be competing with Daniil Tarasov for the top job early in the season following Tarasov’s strong finish to the 2023-24 season, Merzlikins has an excellent chance to capture the goal and the Blue Jackets will continue to rely heavily on him.
