Since breaking into the NHL in 2018-19, Merzlikins has been a solid piece. However, he has seen his numbers decline from his rookie year where he posted a .923 sv% and a 2.35 GAA to only a .897 sv% and 3.45 GAA last year. This is not entirely his fault though as the Blue Jackets had a terrible defense last year but the fall off is quite noticeable.
Merzlikins currently has three years left on his deal with the Blue Jackets and with a cap hit of $5.4 million, the Latvian goaltender will need to turn things around soon if he wants to not be bought out by the GM that once tried to trade for him.