Toronto Maple Leafs and Elvis Merzlikins
Elvis Merzlikins has requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Since the Leafs have some goaltending issues, to say the least, it wouldn't be surprising if they showed interest in the goaltender from Denmark.
Merzlikins has three more years left on his current deal after this season with a $5.4 million salary cap hit. Depending on what the Leafs send back in a deal for Merzlikins, they might need the Blue Jackets to retain some salary.
Merzlikins has an 8-8-6 record through 24 games with a 3.22 GAA and a .906 SV%.
The 29-year-old is playing in his 5th NHL season and is looking to join a playoff-caliber team. I'm not sure how much interest the Leafs have in Merzlikins, but they have been linked to his teammate Boone Jenner, so maybe a much bigger deal could be made.
One downside to acquiring Merzlikins is his lack of playoff experience. He's only played in two playoff games, and they were back in the 2020 NHL playoffs. So, if the Leafs find themselves relying on him to get them through the playoffs, it's a big unknown right now. However, if you're getting a player with three more years on his deal, you've got to allow him to prove himself at some point.