It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the trade deadline of the 2023-24 season on March 8. Teams and general managers have to decide whether or not they’re going to push all their chips into the table. Does a GM go all in to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Or does a team cut bait and try to pile up assets for the future? Goalies are a hot commodity with a couple of names that could be on the market in the next couple of months. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman on Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada’s Headlines segment talked about the future of Jacob Markstrom with the club.
Saturday Headlines/32: Eichel, Markstrom, Guentzel, Senators, All-Star captains and a Cody Hodgson comeback?https://t.co/Oy10u9ATXb
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 14, 2024
Analysis: Friedman mentioned that a deal shipping the Swedish goalie is not imminent at all. Markstrom has a full no-trade clause and can dictate where he wants to go. The veteran goalie has the right to say that he does want to get traded. Friedman mentioned that colleague Kelly Hrudey said that no one should come to Markstrom to waive that clause.
The Sportsnet insider mentioned that general manager Craig Conroy won’t come to Markstrom with a trade request unless it’s a blockbuster. Markstrom carries a cap hit of $6 million until the end of the 2025-26 season. It would be a big ask for someone to take on that kind of a deal for the next few seasons.
Markstrom isn’t the first Flames goalie to be in our NHL rumours. Daniel Vladar‘s name has been bandied about as someone getting dealt. The road for Dustin Wolf is blocked and trading either Calgary netminder would clear the path for the much-celebrated Wolf.
Conroy also has to make a decision on if the Flames are a contender or not. Players like Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm are free agents. However, does Conroy re-sign them or deal them to a contender? The Flames are in that logjam of teams fighting for a post-season spot. However, a winning run could complicate things.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Rumour: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline speculated on the future of Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
#CBJ Elvis Merzlikins said he has not requested a trade, but that he and the Blue Jackets have agreed to find a “new scenario” for him.
“I love Columbus. I love these guys. I grew up here.”
Also: “I’m not a backup goaltender.”— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 12, 2024
Analysis: The Latvian goalie will get his first start in over two weeks on Monday against the Vancouver Canucks. Merzlikins has been waiting for a chance to start after the club gave multiple looks to the returning Daniil Tarasov. The Blue Jackets also have Spencer Martin on the roster.
The veteran goalie said he’s worked out a “new scenario” with the team. Merzlikins said he loves Columbus and he grew up there. However, he’s also stated that he’s not a backup goalie. Despite this, the Latvian netminder has not yet requested a trade.
One wonders what the new situation is for Merzlikins as head coach Pascal Vincent said it’s “above my pay grade.” So who knows what the current arrangement between the veteran goalie and the franchise is.
In 173 appearances that have all been with the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins is 62-70 with a .906 save percentage and a 3.15 goals-against average. He was Columbus’ third-round (76th overall) pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Columbus traded Joonas Korpisalo last trade deadline to the Los Angeles Kings. This seemed like Merzlikins would be the long-term solution in goal. However, that’s not been the case. Does this scenario mean that Merzlikins will also be on the way out of Ohio?
There are a number of teams that could use Merzlikins as cover or give him a chance to start. Things have fallen apart once again for the Jackets and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen might try to spin the netminder into more draft capital.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
