NHL Rumours: New Jersey Devils Targeting Elvis Merzlikins

Just a few days later Kevin Weekes is reporting that the Devils have interest in Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins. Around and around Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald goes as he tries to acquire a number one goalie for the team. The Devils have the third-worst save percentage in the league at 0.893 and don’t have a goalie with a positive Goals Saved Above Expected. Enter Elvis Merzlikins. The 29-year-old goalie has struggled this season and earlier in the year had discussed a “new scenario” for the goalie after being unhappy with a backup role.

Does this Make Sense?

The expensive question is if the move makes sense for the Devils. At times this season they have had statistically the worst goaltending in the entire league, to the point where it may likely cost them a playoff spot. So from that standpoint, yes, Merzlikins is an upgrade. He’s posted at 3.21 GAA and a 0.904 SV% to go along with a 1.3 GSAx. All numbers that would be best on the Devils.

However, from an acquisition perspective, it’s a move that doesn’t make much sense. While the Devils do have a little over $9 million in cap space due to Dougie Hamilton being on LTIR, Merzlikins carries a $5.4 million cap hit for another three seasons. Would Tom Fitzgerald risk the cost of acquisition AND that much cap space on a career 3.15 GAA and 0.906 SV% goalie? Also, if the main holdup in a Markstrom trade was salary retention, then that surely will be an ask by Fitzgerald in Merzlikins’ negotiations.