On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets made a small flurry of early season roster moves. Just nine days after finalizing their regular season roster, the team placed defenseman Erik Gudbranson on IR, forward Dylan Gambrell on waivers; and recalled goaltender Jet Greaves from the Cleveland Monsters. What's going on?
First, we saw Gudbranson go down in the second period of Tuesday night's loss to the Florida Panthers. An unexpected collision with Sean Monahan at center ice caused him to fall awkwardly, clearly injuring his arm or shoulder. He left the game and did not return. Early rumors indicate that his injury could be longer-term, which is awful news for a guy whose leadership and toughness are sorely needed here.
I think we'll see David Jiricek soon, rather than later; as a result of this injury. Jiricek has yet to hit the regular season ice for the club, and we knew it wouldn't be long before he got his chance. Hopefully he can showcase his game early and make an impact. The talent is certainly there.
The Jackets also placed forward Dylan Gambrell on waivers, with the intent on re-assigning him to the AHL. Gambrell has yet to suit up in a game for the Blue Jackets this year, after making the team as its 13th forward out of training camp. This move likely indicates the impending return of fan favorite Justin Danforth, who was recovering from off-season wrist surgery.
Justin Danforth's jersey matching Sean Kuraly's jersey is the clue we're looking for. I'm betting Danforth plays tomorrow. #CBJ https://t.co/ewQBekGiES
— Union and Blue (@UnionAndBlue) October 16, 2024
Moves in goal could hint at deeper issues...
The most interesting move here is the recall of Jet Greaves. This could mean a few different things, but whatever the cause, this is not good news for Elvis Merzlikins fans. The official statement from the team is that Elvis is physically exhausted and needs to take some time away.
Just three games into the year (two starts), and the starting goaltender needs time off? This is very concerning. This season needs to be a bounceback year for Merzlikins, who has another chance to re-establish himself as this team's starting goaltender. The first two starts have not gone well, but the defense is much improved, so the saves should eventually come.
He's paid like the starting goaltender, and that's what the team needs him to be. The best case scenario for all sides involved in this situation is Elvis regaining his best form. Whether his long-term future is here or not, that's what it's going to take for him to be worth the three remaining years at $5.4 million dollars on his contract.
From a more personal perspective, I just hope he's okay. Even if he never regains that form, this is a human being that has been through a lot over the last three years. With that in mind, I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a more long-term situation. We'll definitely follow this one closely.
If that's the case, the team will get most of this season to valuate Jet Greaves and Daniil Tarasov. This should give them an idea where these two might fit in longer-term. It will be interesting to see if either of them can grab the reins and run with it.