Player Discussion: The Elvis Thread

[NotCommitted]

elvis for vejmelka, would you say nah?

.928 save percentage last 4 games while facing the likes of florida (with tkachuk) and dallas. vejmelka has proven he can stand strong against the top teams in the league while facing high volume shots on net. he had a 41 save game against the panthers while giving up one goal. panthers we’re expected to get nearly 6 goals that game. crazy.

When has he proven that, in a 4 game sample? Guy has 61 NHL games under his belt, with a .900 career SV% - to me that's far from proving anything in this league.

I know nothing of this guy beyond that, so ... but my point is you could take a hot goalie from 2nd level Finnish league and have him go lights out for a few games.

Honestly I don't think now is the time to be shopping for a goalie as a knee jerk reaction. I think first the team needs to start playing in a way that gives any goalie a chance, once they do that, between all the goalies they have in the system, someone should be able to provide at least passable goaltending and you go from there. Maybe that'll eventually mean an Elvis trade, but I don't think now is the time.

 

[KJ Dangler]

Blue Jackets Should Follow Kings' Example and Waive Merzlikins - The Hockey Writers Columbus Blue Jackets Latest News, Analysis & More

Columbus has been disappointed by its goaltending this season, especially by Elvis Merzlikins and they should follow the Kings' lead.

thehockeywriters.com

 

[Monstershockey]

Blue Jackets Should Follow Kings' Example and Waive Merzlikins - The Hockey Writers Columbus Blue Jackets Latest News, Analysis & More

Columbus has been disappointed by its goaltending this season, especially by Elvis Merzlikins and they should follow the Kings' lead.

thehockeywriters.com

Sending Elvis from a team that gives up 4.07 goals per game to a team that gives up 4.08 goals per game doesn't sound like much of a confidence booster. The defense here is just as bad. They only difference is the Monsters may score a little more, but that won't help him if he is still giving up 4 per game.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

In the absence of the Kivlenieks tragedy, I'd say waiving Elvis would be the best strategy.

While Elvis is certainly not a young man in terms of hockey age (he's 28), he's still a young man. He lost his father when he was young and a friend who was very close to him. The psychological/spiritual impact of these losses can't be underestimated when they happen with someone of his age. Some people are better with dealing with these type of things than others. It's my guess that the cumulative blow to Elvis of these two losses is immense. I'm almost certain that they are currently impacting his play in a significant manner. He's had his mortality shoved in his face way too early and too often. I'd compare him to a 20 year old kid who fought in a war and experienced the death firsthand (as Elvis did to his friend). Dealing with trauma on the level that Elvis has is more than an overnight matter in terms of reconciling one's view of the world/life and moving on. IMO, Elvis just isn't there yet.

While I'm sure that the CBJ organization has offered their support and whatever resources that they have at their disposal, Elvis simply might need something more. Time off, other psychological/spiritual resources or a relocation to Europe ala Texier come to mind. His psyche could be so damaged now that waiving him (he'd pass through without a problem) and a reassignment to the AHL could be a complete career killer if he flops in the AHL-something which is a distinct possibility.

For the time being, lean on the other goalies in the organization and hope that Elvis regains his form from his first two years with the team. While he may have some structural issues with his goaltending, he's certainly much better than the mess he's been for his last 50 or so games.

He may never regain his form but outside circumstances necessitate an extreme amount of patience in his case.

 

[Columbus Jack]

Sending Elvis from a team that gives up 4.07 goals per game to a team that gives up 4.08 goals per game doesn't sound like much of a confidence booster. The defense here is just as bad. They only difference is the Monsters may score a little more, but that won't help him if he is still giving up 4 per game.

If Elvis can't average better than 4 goals per game in the AHL, we're looking at one of the worst contracts in the NHL.
It's already gotta be up there as one of the worst.

 

[DarkandStormy]

If Elvis can't average better than 4 goals per game in the AHL, we're looking at one of the worst contracts in the NHL.
It's already gotta be up there as one of the worst.

This team employs Erik Gudbranson, if we're talking worst contracts.

There doesn't seem to be an easy answer here. Untradeable contract. Biron & Boucher in their interviews with Porty mention Elvis seems like he's trying too hard / trying to do too much. I don't know if coaching alone can calm him down in net.

He's the worst goalie in the league based on a lot of advanced metrics (goals saved above average / expected) as well as traditional stats (save %). Yes, the team & defense are bad, but Tarasov and Korpisalo are managing to be near league average behind the same team.

 

[Monstershockey]

If Elvis can't average better than 4 goals per game in the AHL, we're looking at one of the worst contracts in the NHL.
It's already gotta be up there as one of the worst.

Yeah, it's kind of looking like Columbus put all thier eggs in the wrong basket. I'm not ready to give up on him, but he probably needs to step away to get his head straight. Having Korpi out kind of puts a wrench in it right now, but when he gets back, it is probably something to look at.

I just don't see how the Monsters could help. Looking at the goalies numbers now, he would be going to the same kind of environment. Tarasov has been good in Columbus, but he is .850 and 4.29 in Cleveland. Elvis would be facing the same crap here.

 

[KJ Dangler]

Sending Elvis from a team that gives up 4.07 goals per game to a team that gives up 4.08 goals per game doesn't sound like much of a confidence booster. The defense here is just as bad. They only difference is the Monsters may score a little more, but that won't help him if he is still giving up 4 per game.

Competition maybe just a hair less at the AHL level ? And you’re saying the jackets organization is in complete disarray when you can’t send them down to the AHL level to regain confidence ? Perhaps sending Chinakov, Johnson , Sillinger .. not sure if Boquist can or not , but maybe stack that team to let these guys develop , having the puck that much more will certainly help the defense

 

[Monstershockey]

Competition maybe just a hair less at the AHL level ? And you’re saying the jackets organization is in complete disarray when you can’t send them down to the AHL level to regain confidence ? Perhaps sending Chinakov, Johnson , Sillinger .. not sure if Boquist can or not , but maybe stack that team to let these guys develop , having the puck that much more will certainly help the defense

Tarasov is better in Columbus than Cleveland. He had the worst numbers here. By your analogy we should bring up Cajan instead, he had been the better goalie here.

The way our defense lets the other teams get the shots they do, I don't see it helping Elvis much. I most definitely can be wrong, but the way Elvis has been flopping around in Columbus, he would be doing the same here.

I don't know why you would send those guys down when by what you have said in the past, we have a coach that coaches today's brand of hockey. Plus, there is nothing that shows me they would just come down here and dominate. Just because Bemstrom and Marchenko were/are successful here, doesn't mean anything. You still have to play the games.

Things aren't as cut and dry as you perceive them. Just like how you think the tanking will work out.

 

[KJ Dangler]

Tarasov is better in Columbus than Cleveland. He had the worst numbers here. By your analogy we should bring up Cajan instead, he had been the better goalie here.

The way our defense lets the other teams get the shots they do, I don't see it helping Elvis much. I most definitely can be wrong, but the way Elvis has been flopping around in Columbus, he would be doing the same here.

I don't know why you would send those guys down when by what you have said in the past, we have a coach that coaches today's brand of hockey. Plus, there is nothing that shows me they would just come down here and dominate. Just because Bemstrom and Marchenko were/are successful here, doesn't mean anything. You still have to play the games.

Things aren't as cut and dry as you perceive them. Just like how you think the tanking will work out.

We are at the point where this season is shot . The young players are not being utilized like they should in a season that is shot . Not to mention Sillinger has regressed , Elvis is quoted in paper last week Chinakov has all the tools and is struggling because of confidence , and then with Johnson , do you want him learning center playing between Laine , Johnny G , going against the top centers , or would you rather him work on it at the ahl level. Lastly , do you want them playing for a team challenging for the Calder , or a team challenging for a top 3 pick in this draft ?

 

[pete goegan]

Those of you who have access to The Athletic might find today’s article on Elvis of interest. Brian Boucher and Marty Biron do a Q&A regarding their view of him. I found it to be very informative!

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Did anyone read the Athletic article?

Blue Jackets Sunday Gathering: Fixing Elvis Merzlikins a major objective

Former NHL goaltenders Brian Boucher and Marty Biron discuss Merzlikins' troubling season and how the Blue Jackets can fix it.

theathletic.com

Both Boucher and Biron say he needs to get back to basics and stop being so figgity. It sounds like going to Cleveland isn't going to fix this. I don't know what he is working on here. I certainly have concerns if Manny is the answer but I don't know that Brad Theissen is either from a coaching standpoint.

 

[Monk]

Did anyone read the Athletic article?

Blue Jackets Sunday Gathering: Fixing Elvis Merzlikins a major objective

Former NHL goaltenders Brian Boucher and Marty Biron discuss Merzlikins' troubling season and how the Blue Jackets can fix it.

theathletic.com

Both Boucher and Biron say he needs to get back to basics and stop being so figgity. It sounds like going to Cleveland isn't going to fix this. I don't know what he is working on here. I certainly have concerns if Manny is the answer but I don't know that Brad Theissen is either from a coaching standpoint.

Probably the most important question from the article, here are their answers.

"Do you still see in him a potential No. 1 goaltender?"
Boucher:
"(sigh) There’s talent there. There’s athleticism there. There’s size there. Right? There is. You can’t deny that. What is he, 6-foot-3? But he’s getting to the age now where he should start to be the guy. But in saying that, look at the team he’s got around him. This is not the best team in the league. I don’t want to kill the guy based on his numbers or based on what I see. He’s part of a group, too.

Do I think he can be a No. 1 still? Yeah. If you’re asking ‘Do I think he can be one of the 32 starting netminders in the NHL?’ Yes. I think we’re at a point in the league where the goaltending from team to team, especially in the lower half or third of the NHL, they all have their struggles."

Do you still think he can be an NHL No. 1?
Biron:
"I do. He has raw abilities and the explosiveness, the athleticism, the quickness that a lot of other goalies around the league don’t have. That’s natural to him. But it better start showing. We need to see progress. I think he can. I hope he can. And I’ll be interested to see.

This is a really hard thing to say for so many reasons, but Elvis may … ugh, this is a hard way to put it … he may benefit from a change of scenery at some point. That’s nothing against Columbus or the team, I just think there are a lot of other things that add pressure and add weight to his shoulders.

Losing Matiss (Kivlenieks to a fireworks tragedy on July 4, 2021) and everything like that, it’s hard … hard to handle. It’s been a year and a half now.

Luckily I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve lost a teammate, or a good friend that way. I remember Marian Gaborik (with the New York Rangers) when we lost Pavol Demitra (in the Yaroslavl plane crash in 2011) and it took him a while. Every time somebody mentioned Pavel or mentioned them playing together it was tough.

I think this weighs on Elvis, too. There’s a level of expectation and pressure where he wants to perform well to honor his good buddy, and it’s really tough."

 

[Monstershockey]

We are at the point where this season is shot . The young players are not being utilized like they should in a season that is shot . Not to mention Sillinger has regressed , Elvis is quoted in paper last week Chinakov has all the tools and is struggling because of confidence , and then with Johnson , do you want him learning center playing between Laine , Johnny G , going against the top centers , or would you rather him work on it at the ahl level. Lastly , do you want them playing for a team challenging for the Calder , or a team challenging for a top 3 pick in this draft ?

This team is in its 7th season since the last Calder Cup. How many guys are still here and how many actually contributed big time to the playoff run they had? 7 seasons out, no cup, already rebuilding. If they are 3-4 years away, we will be halfway through Johnny's contract, Laine's will be almost up, and who knows if these picks will work out. There is a lot more work to be done than just shipping guys to the AHL and thinking they are a lock for the Calder.

It wasn't long ago you were praising Elvis for all his shutouts and how good he was going to be, and look how things have happened and changed everything. This team has no core and no leadership, from players or coaching.

I want a team that is working towards winning and learning how to win. Not just playing good and losing close games, or as you put it, tanking. Tanking is a losing mentality.

 

[MoeBartoli]

Tarasov is better in Columbus than Cleveland. He had the worst numbers here. By your analogy we should bring up Cajan instead, he had been the better goalie here.

The way our defense lets the other teams get the shots they do, I don't see it helping Elvis much. I most definitely can be wrong, but the way Elvis has been flopping around in Columbus, he would be doing the same here.

I don't know why you would send those guys down when by what you have said in the past, we have a coach that coaches today's brand of hockey. Plus, there is nothing that shows me they would just come down here and dominate. Just because Bemstrom and Marchenko were/are successful here, doesn't mean anything. You still have to play the games.

Things aren't as cut and dry as you perceive them. Just like how you think the tanking will work out.

Everyone agrees that Elvis has fell into poor technique and lacks a flow in his game. I’ve felt all season he’s struggled with exactly the things described by Boucher and Biron. its Biron who made a point K agree with; Elvis might benefit from a change of scenery. Biron was referring to a new team and I agree with that. But the other change could be just hearing another voice - a different goaltending coach. Now I’m not sure I’d make that change because I don’t know that Tarasov needs that.

So a new team might be best for Elvis and I’d test waivers to see if there’s any takers. If none, a stint on Cleveland might not be the worst thing. While the defense sounds like it is just as porous up north, he wouldn't be facing the same caliber shooters. Something’s gotta change and repeating the current routine is a questionable solution

 

[thebus88]

Nobody saw this coming.

Very good goalie.

 

[Monstershockey]

Everyone agrees that Elvis has fell into poor technique and lacks a flow in his game. I’ve felt all season he’s struggled with exactly the things described by Boucher and Biron. its Biron who made a point K agree with; Elvis might benefit from a change of scenery. Biron was referring to a new team and I agree with that. But the other change could be just hearing another voice - a different goaltending coach. Now I’m not sure I’d make that change because I don’t know that Tarasov needs that.

So a new team might be best for Elvis and I’d test waivers to see if there’s any takers. If none, a stint on Cleveland might not be the worst thing. While the defense sounds like it is just as porous up north, he wouldn't be facing the same caliber shooters. Something’s gotta change and repeating the current routine is a questionable solution

I agree with a lot of that. I am in the camp that he needs new scenery. Coming to Cleveland will have the same reminders. You see Kiv's jerseys in the arena worn by fans, and they have a jersey on display as a memorial. Elvis probably needs a fresh start, but he also needs to straighten out what is going on in his head, if he can't do that, a new team won't matter.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Everyone agrees that Elvis has fell into poor technique and lacks a flow in his game. I’ve felt all season he’s struggled with exactly the things described by Boucher and Biron. its Biron who made a point K agree with; Elvis might benefit from a change of scenery. Biron was referring to a new team and I agree with that. But the other change could be just hearing another voice - a different goaltending coach. Now I’m not sure I’d make that change because I don’t know that Tarasov needs that.

So a new team might be best for Elvis and I’d test waivers to see if there’s any takers. If none, a stint on Cleveland might not be the worst thing. While the defense sounds like it is just as porous up north, he wouldn't be facing the same caliber shooters. Something’s gotta change and repeating the current routine is a questionable solution

A good goalie coach should be a good goalie coach. I don't see how anyone can think a coach is bad for one player but good for another.

I'll post this another way? Is it worth risking Tarasov's development because Manny may not be the right guy? If Elvis has PTSD issues from the Matiss incident and it is effecting him mentally, surely the same applies to Manny. It happened at his house. Maybe he needs a change of scenery as much or more than Elvis does.

 

[Viqsi]

A good goalie coach should be a good goalie coach. I don't see how anyone can think a coach is bad for one player but good for another.

I'll post this another way? Is it worth risking Tarasov's development because Manny may not be the right guy? If Elvis has PTSD issues from the Matiss incident and it is effecting him mentally, surely the same applies to Manny. It happened at his house. Maybe he needs a change of scenery as much or more than Elvis does.

I don't know if this is the case and I'm not going to assume that it's the case, but it might be something worth looking into.

 

[Cowumbus]

Yeah, it's kind of looking like Columbus put all thier eggs in the wrong basket. I'm not ready to give up on him, but he probably needs to step away to get his head straight. Having Korpi out kind of puts a wrench in it right now, but when he gets back, it is probably something to look at.

I just don't see how the Monsters could help. Looking at the goalies numbers now, he would be going to the same kind of environment. Tarasov has been good in Columbus, but he is .850 and 4.29 in Cleveland. Elvis would be facing the same crap here.

I think that is due to NHL defenseman “knowing” how to play the game. Guys for the most part understand where to be, where to force players, and how to manipulate the play. There are shots/chances faced in the AHL that would not occur in the NHL based on the IQ/ability/size of NHL defenseman.

Regarding Elvis, first and foremost I like the guy. But I sometimes wonder if he is a “head case” similar to Steve Mason. From the outside it seems like he really wants to be THE GUY, but maybe it would be best if he figures out he isn’t? The Jackets don’t need you to have 6 shutouts a year, do crazy saves and flash the leather, they need you to be consistent every game and not be “emotionally weak.” He’s almost like Baker Mayfield where he wants to be so much bigger than what he is - I’m not sure if his teammates get annoyed at it but I expect some fans do.

 

[Monstershockey]

I think that is due to NHL defenseman “knowing” how to play the game. Guys for the most part understand where to be, where to force players, and how to manipulate the play. There are shots/chances faced in the AHL that would not occur in the NHL based on the IQ/ability/size of NHL defenseman.

Regarding Elvis, first and foremost I like the guy. But I sometimes wonder if he is a “head case” similar to Steve Mason. From the outside it seems like he really wants to be THE GUY, but maybe it would be best if he figures out he isn’t? The Jackets don’t need you to have 6 shutouts a year, do crazy saves and flash the leather, they need you to be consistent every game and not be “emotionally weak.” He’s almost like Baker Mayfield where he wants to be so much bigger than what he is - I’m not sure if his teammates get annoyed at it but I expect some fans do.

Well said.

 

[Viqsi]

I think that is due to NHL defenseman “knowing” how to play the game. Guys for the most part understand where to be, where to force players, and how to manipulate the play. There are shots/chances faced in the AHL that would not occur in the NHL based on the IQ/ability/size of NHL defenseman.

Regarding Elvis, first and foremost I like the guy. But I sometimes wonder if he is a “head case” similar to Steve Mason. From the outside it seems like he really wants to be THE GUY, but maybe it would be best if he figures out he isn’t? The Jackets don’t need you to have 6 shutouts a year, do crazy saves and flash the leather, they need you to be consistent every game and not be “emotionally weak.” He’s almost like Baker Mayfield where he wants to be so much bigger than what he is - I’m not sure if his teammates get annoyed at it but I expect some fans do.

I know at least one fan that absolutely hates him as a result.

 

[MoeBartoli]

A good goalie coach should be a good goalie coach. I don't see how anyone can think a coach is bad for one player but good for another.

I'll post this another way? Is it worth risking Tarasov's development because Manny may not be the right guy? If Elvis has PTSD issues from the Matiss incident and it is effecting him mentally, surely the same applies to Manny. It happened at his house. Maybe he needs a change of scenery as much or more than Elvis does.

I know what you’re saying and it’s why I didn’t call for Manny to go since Tarasov seems just fine. But I disagree with the assertion that a coach can’t be good for one and not the other. Torts was great for some and while others didn’t respond well in the workplace there’s talented employees who respond to one boss while others don’t. I’m not saying that’s the case with Manny and these goalies - I don’t know. But it’s possible if he were traded that another goalie coach could discover something to get him back on track. It happens with baseball pitchers all the time

I think that is due to NHL defenseman “knowing” how to play the game. Guys for the most part understand where to be, where to force players, and how to manipulate the play. There are shots/chances faced in the AHL that would not occur in the NHL based on the IQ/ability/size of NHL defenseman.

Regarding Elvis, first and foremost I like the guy. But I sometimes wonder if he is a “head case” similar to Steve Mason. From the outside it seems like he really wants to be THE GUY, but maybe it would be best if he figures out he isn’t? The Jackets don’t need you to have 6 shutouts a year, do crazy saves and flash the leather, they need you to be consistent every game and not be “emotionally weak.” He’s almost like Baker Mayfield where he wants to be so much bigger than what he is - I’m not sure if his teammates get annoyed at it but I expect some fans do.

The Steve Mason comparison runs thru my head as well.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

I know what you’re saying and it’s why I didn’t call for Manny to go since Tarasov seems just fine. But I disagree with the assertion that a coach can’t be good for one and not the other. Torts was great for some and while others didn’t respond well in the workplace there’s talented employees who respond to one boss while others don’t. I’m not saying that’s the case with Manny and these goalies - I don’t know. But it’s possible if he were traded that another goalie coach could discover something to get him back on track. It happens with baseball pitchers all the time


The Steve Mason comparison runs thru my head as well.

Fair enough. However we don't see or hear about goalie coaches changing very much. it's generally the organization hires who they like and the goalie is expected mold to that coach. We have a situation when no goalie is playing well. People are ready to annoint Tarasov because he sucks the least at the moment but its not clear to me if the guidance he's getting is good for the long term since we are probably close to renaming I-71 between Columbus and Cleveland after him.

Elvis and Manny are close but I'm concerned about Manny's impact on all of the goaltending in the organization.

 

[CBJx614]

I just wish we still had Ian Clark...