Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery Monday, the team announced Thursday.
Merzlikins will be re-evaluated in a few weeks, but no timetable has been set for his return.
"Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts," Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell said. "Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He'll be evaluated again in a few weeks, at which time we'll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice."
Merzlikins struggled with an .883 save percentage in 30 games last season, losing the team's No. 1 goaltender role to Jet Greaves.
The 32-year-old Latvian owns a career save percentage of .900 across seven seasons in Columbus. He ranks second in franchise history with 108 wins and 274 games, trailing only Sergei Bobrovsky.
Merzlikins is entering the final year of his contract with a $5.4-million cap hit.
Veteran Pheonix Copley would likely serve as Greaves' backup to begin the year if Merzlikins isn't ready.
