Report: Blue Jackets listening on both netminders
The Columbus Blue Jackets need to bolster their offense this offseason and are apparently open to trading one of their budding young goaltenders to do so.
Columbus is reportedly listening to offers for both Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins and would like a first- or second-line center in return, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun on Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading."
The Blue Jackets also don't believe there will be enough net to go around - both puck-stoppers have proved they're capable of fulfilling a starting role, LeBrun adds.
Here's how each netminder stacked up this season:
| Player | GS | GAA | SV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korpisalo | 35 | 2.60 | .911 | 1.14 |
| Merzlikins | 31 | 2.23 | .935 | 12.10 |
GSAA = Goals saved above average
Korpisalo enjoyed a consistent campaign before he took a massive leap in the postseason. The 26-year-old posted a .941 save percentage and a 7.21 goals saved above average across nine playoff starts. Korpisalo also set the modern-day NHL record for saves in a playoff game when he turned aside 85 shots in a five overtime game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Merzlikins, 26, went on an absolute tear after failing to record a win over his first 10 NHL appearances. The Latvian goalkeeper enjoyed a 12-2 stretch in which he authored a ridiculous .953 save percentage and five shutouts to propel the Blue Jackets from lottery players to playoff participants.
Both netminders have two years remaining on their respective deals, with Korpisalo carrying an annual cap hit of $2.8 million and Merzlikins $4 million.