Elvis Merzļikins Bio
Elvis Merzļikins is a Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 13 April 1994 in Riga, Latvia, he has built a remarkable career in professional hockey. Before joining the NHL, he spent years playing for HC Lugano in Switzerland, where he earned a strong reputation as one of the top goaltenders in the National League.
Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Merzļikins made his NHL debut in October 2019. He has also represented Latvia in multiple international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championship. Off the ice, he is known for honoring teammates through the names of his children.
Early Life and Background
Elvis Merzļikins was born on 13 April 1994 in Riga, the capital of Latvia. He grew up in a country with a deep love for ice hockey, and the sport became a central part of his life from an early age. His father was a fan of the American singer Elvis Presley, and that is how young Elvis received his distinctive name.
Merzļikins began his hockey journey in Latvia, where he developed his skills as a goaltender. His size, quick reflexes, and competitive nature made him a promising young prospect. As a teenager, he attracted the attention of scouts from European leagues, which led to an important move abroad.
Path to Hockey
Merzļikins joined HC Lugano in Switzerland in 2009, where he was given a Swiss player license that allowed him to play in the National League without counting as an import. He continued his development within the club’s junior system, working on his technique and mental toughness.
He made his National League debut with HC Lugano during the 2012–13 season on 28 September 2013, earning a 2–1 victory over Lausanne HC. At the end of the 2013–14 season, he was recognized as the NL Media Most Improved Player and NL Youngster of the Year. In 2014, he was selected 76th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL Entry Draft, marking a major step toward a North American career.
Elvis Merzļikins Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Merzļikins’ early years at HC Lugano showed steady growth. After his debut in the 2012–13 season, he became a regular contributor and continued to develop his game against top Swiss competition. The Blue Jackets’ draft staff tracked his progress carefully as he gained experience at the professional level.
In the 2015–16 season, Merzļikins had a breakout year, leading the National League in saves with 1,484 and ranking second in save percentage and fifth in wins with a 23–13–4 record in 44 contests. He led HC Lugano to the NL final, where they lost in five games to SC Bern, and posted a .937 save percentage in the playoffs. His performance earned him the Jacques Plante Trophy as the league’s best goaltender.
HC Lugano Breakthrough (2016–2019)
On 22 June 2016, Merzļikins agreed to a three-year contract extension with Lugano, choosing to remain in Switzerland without an NHL out-clause. Later that year, he was named to the all-star team at the 2016 Spengler Cup, one of the most prestigious club tournaments in European hockey.
In the 2017–18 season, Merzļikins captured his second Jacques Plante Trophy after finishing fourth in wins and fifth in save percentage with a 19–15–1 record in 40 contests. He returned for the 2018–19 season and posted a 22–18–0 record with a 2.44 goals against average, .921 save percentage, and a career-high five shutouts in 43 games. These strong performances convinced him it was time to test himself in the NHL.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2019–Present)
After the 2018–19 season, Merzļikins left Switzerland and signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on 20 March 2019. He joined the team in time to participate in their 2019 NHL playoff run. His NHL debut came on 5 October 2019 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On 31 December 2019, Merzļikins earned his first NHL win against the Florida Panthers, stopping 36 of 37 shots in a 4–1 victory. On 11 January 2020, he recorded his first career NHL shutout in a 3–0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. He finished his rookie season with 13 wins, 9 losses, and 8 overtime losses, plus 5 shutouts in 33 games, and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. On 23 April 2020, the Blue Jackets signed him to a two-year contract extension, and on 21 September 2021, he signed a five-year, $27 million extension.
Playing Style and Strengths
Merzļikins is known for his athleticism, lateral quickness, and ability to track the puck through traffic. His 6-foot-3 frame allows him to cover the net effectively, and he is comfortable playing an aggressive style. He works closely with the Blue Jackets’ goaltending staff to refine his positioning and rebound control.
Notable Events and Milestones
Merzļikins’ first NHL win and first shutout in his rookie season marked his arrival as a starting NHL goaltender. His selection to the NHL All-Rookie Team further cemented his status as a promising talent. He also played a key role during the Blue Jackets’ 2019 playoff run, even before making his regular-season debut.
Elvis Merzļikins Career Wins
Elvis Merzļikins has built a strong résumé of wins at every level of professional hockey. In the Swiss National League, he captured two Jacques Plante Trophies as the league’s best goaltender in 2016 and 2018, while helping HC Lugano reach the NL final in 2016. Since joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has continued to be a key contributor between the pipes.
NHL Highlights
Merzļikins earned his first NHL win on 31 December 2019 against the Florida Panthers, a breakthrough moment after a slow start to his rookie season. He went on to record 13 wins and 5 shutouts in his first NHL season, earning a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team. He has since remained the Blue Jackets’ primary starter.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NHL, Merzļikins has represented Latvia at multiple IIHF World Championships, including the 2016, 2017, and 2018 tournaments. In the 2018 World Championship, he posted a 1.50 goals against average and .940 save percentage in six games, highlighting his ability to perform on the international stage.
Elvis Merzļikins Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Elvis Merzļikins was born in Riga, Latvia, and named after Elvis Presley because of his father’s admiration for the singer. He speaks Latvian, English, Russian, and Italian, reflecting his international upbringing in Switzerland and his current life in North America.
Merzļikins and his wife have two sons. Their first son, born in August 2021, is named after his late friend and former Columbus Blue Jackets teammate Matīss Kivlenieks, who died in a fireworks accident on 4 July 2021 while protecting Merzļikins and his family. Their second son, born in March 2025, is named after late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed along with his brother Matthew in a bicycle accident in August 2024.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents an important chapter for Elvis Merzļikins and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coming off recent struggles, the team has invested in new goaltending coaching in an effort to return Merzļikins to his early-career form. His five-year contract extension, signed in 2021, runs through 2026, giving the organization stability in the crease.
Merzļikins’ performance will be central to the Blue Jackets’ push to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His combination of size, experience, and athleticism makes him a cornerstone of the franchise. If he can rediscover the consistency that defined his rookie season, the Blue Jackets could emerge as a competitive force in a wide-open Eastern Conference.