It feels like the Blue Jackets have had off and on goalie problems since 2019 when two time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky decided to leave Columbus in free agency for his big payday in Florida. Netminders like Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo have contributed solid seasons here and there to fill the gap, but the rebuild has been plagued by the lack of a goalie who can steal games and still manage to look strong even on nights where the team in front of him doesn't. That was until Jet Greaves introduced himself to the league last year.
The 25-year-old netminder from Cambridge, Ontario earned his path to the NHL the hard way. He lost his entire draft year season to COVID when the OHL shut down for the year, and went undrafted as a result. Since then, he has continued to jump every hurdle set in front of him, from ECHL minor league option all the way up to NHL starter in less time than it takes some first round picks to reach the same peak.
Last season, Jet Greaves spent his first full season proving that he can be the answer the CBJ have been seeking. After appearing in just 21 games from 2022-2025, Greaves rocketed into the starting role last season when finally given the chance, posting a record of 26-19-9 in his 55 appearances, with an impressive .908 SV% in tow. He was rewarded for taking the reigns last year with a 3 year deal paying him $5 million per season.
Ironically, even being a relatively new face in the league, Greaves also benefits from being the most stable member of the goaltending room entering the season. Long time Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins is facing not only the final year of his contract, but recovery from an offseason shoulder surgery as well.
With no current timetable for his return, the Jackets have scrambled to find Greaves some support elsewhere. Even as I'm writing this, news broke that journeyman backup Cam Talbot found a landing spot in Columbus on a one year deal, and will likely jump fellow offseason acquisition Phoenix Copley to become a solid #2 on the goaltending depth chart.
Regardless, the goaltending reinforcements are not because the front office doesn't trust Greaves to get the work done. If last year was indicative of Jet's standing in the organization, I'm sure they wish he could play all 84 games this time around. His excellent positioning and calm demeanor between the pipes are why he has risen through the ranks as quickly as he has.
Greaves has already proven a lot to Blue Jackets and NHL fans alike. Even speculative discussions about a roster spot on the Canadian Olympic team last year weren't entirely out of the question. He'll have plenty of time to worry about that the rest of his career. As for this season, his focus will be showing everyone that he's never been a flash in the pan kind of goalie. He's here to stay. And personally, I have no doubts about Greaves, or the notion of him being the starter the CBJ have been looking for since Bob.
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