Parts one and two of this series evaluated the forward and defensive groups and what areas need to be addressed for next season. In this article, we assess the goalies and what changes need to be made for the 2025-2026 season.
The goaltending for the Blue Jackets has been better in 2024-2025 than in the prior few seasons. However, it has still not been great. The team has employed three goalies this season: Elvis Merzlikins, Daniil Tarasov, and Jet Greaves. Not one goaltender has an average save percentage over 0.900% or goals against average below 3.00. That is just not sustainable for a franchise that is trying to become a playoff contender going forward.
Merzlikins has carried much of the load and has been better this season than in recent years. Yet, his consistency is just not there. He will have some great games with amazing saves. Then he will have bad nights where he is giving up 5+ goals, many of which can be characterized as “soft”. He has not played well enough to be considered a full-time #1 goalie in this league.
Tarasov has been very poor this season. This season has been the worst of his NHL career. Aside from last night's win over Philadelphia, I can’t recall a good game from him this year. He is often out of position and has difficulty making routine saves. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, but I don’t expect him to return to the team.
Is Jet Greaves the answer?
Greaves has only played in five games and actually has looked good in those games. The problem was that the team did not give him much support in those games, which resulted in the sub-par numbers. But, he has been very good for Cleveland this year and I expect him to be in Columbus full time next season.
The team has Merzlikins and Greaves under contract for 2025-26. If the team believes that Greaves will take the reins and become a #1 goalie, then I could see the team rolling out this tandem next season. However, I don’t think Don Waddell wants to bet on that.
I think that Waddell will look to trade or buy-out Merzlikins in the offseason. Then, will look to acquire a new goalie. Greaves and the newly acquired goalie should be the duo in net for next season. That would give the team the best chance at success moving forward.