ELVIS MERZLIKINS 90. border-radius: .25rem; Follow Alison on Twitter @AlisonL, and check out: Players discussed on this episode include Oliver Bjorkstrand, Cam Atkinson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alex Texier, Emil Bemstrom, Liam Foudy, Josh Anderson, Joonas Korpisalo, Elvis Merzlikins, Zach Werenski, Seth Jones, not Artemi Panarin, and more. He has a little bit of that bully attitude before games that makes me laugh a little bit. Cave was placed in a medically-induced coma after suffering a brain bleed earlier this week. The Blue Jackets would love to get him some late-season games either with them or their minor-league affiliate. While I was his coach, he had almost zero trust in me. “Now, I think he’s ready for a challenge on the next level.”. Merzlikins said his primary concern is leading HC Lugano on another deep playoff run. Click here to view DobberProspects profile page! Feb 23, 2021: Columbus Blue Jackets | Elvis Merzlikins | Merzlikins (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. “Look at your phone — no service. If he decides to commit to the Blue Jackets, there’s going to be a learning curve and an adjustment period. Merzlikins brings the Audi to a crawl as he reaches the top of Mount Bre. Blue Jackets fans have been bewitched by Merzlikins since the franchise selected the lanky Latvian in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft. That’s an eye-popping statement, but unless properly harnessed such emotion can consume a player and his team. May 10, 2018 - Elvis Merzlikins puts on a great performance for Latvia in their 3-2 overtime loss against the United States. “Super mom” is good. “I am the different one.” The Curva Nord, where fans stand the entire game waving banners and singing songs, erupts. “I was feeling sad this morning because we have been losing and I didn’t really want to talk,” he says. In the spring, he backstopped Latvia to its first quarterfinals appearance in a decade at the World Championship. There was a point shot through a maze of players and the puck landed in his catching glove. The heir apparent to Sergei Bobrovsky, the 24-year-old has been excellent in his professional career for Lugano of the NLA (Swiss National League) and in the World Championships for Latvia. (Courtesy of Elvis Merzlikins) ‘My father is helping me’ As the Audi RS3 roars up the mountainside, Merzlikins instinctively reaches for the volume control on his radio. Merzlikins got the message and took his play to another level. * As you all have probably heard by now, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for their backup goalie last week, getting Jack Campbell and the gritty Kyle Clifford. There was an opportunity to join HC Lugano, but first he wanted to meet Merzlikins to gauge compatibility. September 2020 -The soon to be NHL sophomore has been loaned to HIFK Helsinki (Liiga). I’m hard on you because you have the goods. One is a 6-foot-3 goalie on the cusp of making the NHL. “I call her super mom,” he said. Merzlikins finds himself in a long-distance relationship with a young woman named Elizabeth, a former Latvian javelin thrower who’s studying tax law in Moscow. His older brother is building a new house. The Penguins seemingly forgot how to score last week. Vjaceslav Merzlikins died at age 31. “I can’t do that now,” Merzlikins said. But Merzlikins, who’s worked hard the past two seasons to narrow his stance, quickly goes post to post to make a stunning glove save. The Blue Jackets are keeping close watch on Merzlikins’ development on and off the ice. On Tuesday alone, we saw four different trades. He reserves special praise for Sandra. There are still flashes of rage, but they are more well timed and directed. (Getty Images). They have also announced that Pavel Buchnevich and Igor Shesterkin were in … When he approaches a cemetery, however, he passes in silence. Next season, the intense Tortorella and the driven yet fun-loving Merzlikins could be united if Bobrovsky or Joonas Korpisalo, a restricted free agent, plays elsewhere. He’s also well versed in cop talk. A rebellious Merzlikins started to hang out with the wrong crowd. Elvis Merzlikins cap hit, salary, contracts, contract history, earnings, aav, free agent status “He’s been very good on that level,” Kekalainen said. More important, Elvis Merzlikins knows he can’t skip any more steps to get where he wants to go. … There’s no time to look toward the future right now. “There’s one word for him — refreshing,” said HC Lugano teammate Maxim Lapierre, who played 10 NHL seasons before coming to Europe. Goalkeeper Of HC Lugano And The Latvian National Team. Because most Columbus home games start at 1 a.m. local time, he usually only catches highlights. Merzlikins was named the top goalie in Switzerland last season. The black sheep has come a long way. It’s a souvenir from development camp in 2014. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. That’s a huge part of being a human and being a man. As he talks, Merzlikins glances over and notices his passenger clutching the grab handle above the window. Residents in this lakeside town of 63,000 people wave to him on the streets. He’s more than a coach, he’s a friend.”. “We were in our coffee shop and doing video and Elvis said, ‘Everything is criticism, everything is negative.’ ” Lawrence noted. “Do not worry,” he says. On a sun-splashed October afternoon, Merzlikins zips around the outskirts of old-town Lugano — with its boutique-lined streets and lakefront promenade — before accelerating through the winding roads of Mount Bre, a place that holds tremendous significance for him. (Tom Reed / The Athletic). He traces his car fetish back to an ex-girlfriend who was an auto racer and says one of his offseason highlights was driving a Ferrari 488 on a closed race course. While he’s proud to represent his native Latvia in tournaments, Merzlikins said leaving the environment in Riga at that time was a life-altering experience. Error: API requests are being delayed. Some sad news to start... Oilers forward Colby Cave has died at the age of 25. That’s the nameplate, supplied to him by the Blue Jackets, plastered on his apartment door above the peephole. Let’s take a quick look at their fantasy relevance. He needed to grow up. “It’s a typical example of a young kid,” Lapierre said. Everything was a big save. “I was telling him that father is in Moscow for work,” she said. Ramblings: Keeper Decisions in Smaller Bubbles – Rask, Merzlikins, Hamilton, Landeskog (Nov 20). Then came a moment of serenity. Those players are Claude Giroux, Travis Konecny, Jakub Voracek, Oskar Lindblom, Scott Laughton, Justin Braun, and Morgan Frost. Elvis Merzlikins’ mother, Sandra, and father, Vjaceslav, were the portrait of a happy couple. This season, Merzlikins has posted a 2.25 GAA and .931 save percentage with HC Lugano, which has won three consecutive games. His career at an early crossroads, Lawrence begged Mike Foligno, then coach of the OHL Sudbury Wolves, for a chance to interview for a vacant position on his staff. There may be an issue with the Instagram Access Token that you are using. It’s those lucky moments when I know my father is helping me from up there. The Blue Jackets coach is certainly among the vanishing lot. Elvis, Jumbo Joe, Shorthanded Flyers, Struggling Zibanejad (Feb 19) – DobberHockey. His goalie masks from various teams are prominently displayed. He just loves hockey, and that’s fun to be around.” I know how hard the guys are playing for me, how they are blocking the shots in front of me.”. His 15 points (5G + “There are no rules,” he says. It’s why I flew to Switzerland to learn more about his life, fast times and career aspirations. A few poor outings followed and teacher and student sat down for a critical midseason meeting. I’m not sure how long.” Merzlikins was outstanding in his first taste of NHL action this year, posting a .923 save percentage as a rookie. “It looks like I make a save, but I did nothing,” Merzlikins said recalling a series that HC Lugano extended to seven games before losing 2-0 to Zurich in the clincher. He has grown up tenfold.”, Elvis Merzlikins helped lead Latvia to a stunning quarterfinals appearance at last season’s World Championship. The player with arguably the most fun name on this list, Merzlikins will likely be the starter for the Columbus Blue Jackets next season. The other is a 5-foot-6 former goaltender who never advanced beyond Tier II juniors in Canada. Loud ones, too. Just me, my older son and our grandma we knew it and we believe that Elvis (would) be what he is now.” Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins: Making second straight start 19D ago • Merzlikins will tend the crease for Saturday's game against the Predators, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports. Several years ago, when the goalie opted to re-sign with Lugano, many were surprised he didn’t make the jump to the Blue Jackets’ organization. So are framed jerseys from HC Lugano, the Latvian national team and the Blue Jackets. Upper body injury, sidelined indefinitely. The goalie needed more time. “If some asks me, ‘What is your hometown?’ It’s a pretty tough answer to give them.”. Elvis Merzlikins – The Latvian is coming to the Blue Jackets and may have an opportunity to start in the next two seasons. I will also look at the upcoming schedule and the injury ward. “I think Bob is a great goalie. “I am the black sheep,” he said smiling. He enjoys the easy access to the mountains and outdoors and cherishes the beauty of Lake Lugano and all its spoils. NHL; NHL DRAFT; KHL; LIIGA; SHL; AHL; ECHL; OHL; QMJHL; WHL; WJC-U20; WJC-U18; OLYMPICS; WHC; ENGLISH; SUOMI; CONTACT; STATS FILTERS. I’m hard on you because this is what you could represent. The troubled teen was just trying to survive. “When you play hockey, it’s the same routine every day. Normally, he blasts music at ear-splitting decibels. Elvis Merzlikins currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL). Value is much lower than expected for this player. The top 50 prospect goaltenders to own in keeper leagues - spring edition! He lives in a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor of a hillside complex that sits less than a mile from Corner Arena, where HC Lugano plays. His right arm is covered in tattoos, including a script “Vjaceslav” with a teardrop. Lawrence is one of many North American coaches and players making a living in the thriving European hockey market. Expect his speed … I am not thinking much about that because I need to focus on my season here. Ramblings: Elvis, Jumbo Joe, Shorthanded Flyers, Struggling Zibanejad (Feb 19) 2021-02-15: Top 100 Roto Rankings – February 2021 : 2021-02-15: Ramblings – What To Do With Malkin? Elvis Merzlikins Bio. Teammates and coaches rave about Merzlikins’ intellect and how he looks to others for fatherly advice. It was right before a defensive-zone draw. Because once the ball got rolling with the Islanders overpaying for Andy Greene on the weekend, the momentum has spread throughout the league. Owners should receive a glimpse of what they originally expected from him prior to his NHL rookie season. After a good start to last season, Merzlikins began to stray from instruction, thinking he had the position figured out. ELVIS MERZLIKINS: 26: 2014: 3: 76: 8.0: 9.0: PETER THOME: 23: 5.5: 3.0: DANIIL TARASOV: 21: 2017: 3: 86: 8.0: 6.0: Career Stats (Regular Season) Click for more info Career Stats × Quality Starts (QS) Games with save percentage above the league average; Games with fewer than 20 shots and a save percentage above .885; Really Bad Starts (RBS) Games with save percentage below .850; … Suddenly, HC Davos attacks off the rush, working a two-on-one down low. (Courtesy of Elvis Merzlikins). A decade ago, nobody dreamed an NHL general manger would make such a comment about Merzlikins. He can speak a few phrases in Spanish and Portuguese. Meanwhile, the man who wants to shout the loudest sits quietly in the press box, satisfied the adjustments he’s helped make to Merzlikins’ game continue to pay dividends. But if you want me to just give you good mental pictures all the time and for you to just plateau, then we will do that from here on out.’, “I needed him to come into meetings with an open mind and without emotion.”. Merzlikins was 22-18-0 with a 2.44 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and five shutouts in 43 games with Lugano of the Swiss National League (NLA) last … “I always find a way. “He was playing the hard way. They have been working together for two seasons, and in that span HC Lugano’s wild child has become more economical in motion and less flamboyant in style of play. I can’t judge a person I don’t know, but I like that he’s saying the truth in the face. Merzlikins occasionally brings others with him, but mostly he enjoys being alone in his thoughts. Elizabeth flew in for Game 7 last season even though she didn’t have a ticket. (Courtesy of Elvis Merzlikins), “There were big emotions that I cannot describe, but I remember the last three minutes (of the final round-robin game) I was on my knees in front of my TV watching it,” Renars said. But those around the club, including Merzlikins, agree he wasn’t mentally ready for the transition. We encourage you to follow us on social media and to reach out to us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Merzlikins’ teammates have seen the goaltender dial back his outbursts. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Selected by the Blue Jackets in the third round (No. Goalie -- shoots L Born Apr 13 1994 -- Riga, Latvia [26 yrs. “He’s always on a mission. We’re really proud of him and happy that Elvis could give the happiness to our country.”. Sandra said she held out hope for her husband’s safe return for months. “(NHL insider) Elliotte Friedman has his 31 thoughts,” Lawrence said. September 2020 - The 21-year-old has been loaned to KalPa (Liiga) as he awaits the beginning of the Blue Jackets training camp. “I would put a petard (a small explosive device) inside the bathroom so everything would be exploding and the fire guys are coming to the school and closing the school,” he said. It was especially dreadful for the owners of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. He’s writing stuff down. “I ask him, ‘be with me during the game.’ ”, He recalls an instance in Game 5 of the last season’s championship final series in which he felt his father’s presence. Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets) 6’3″ 181 SUI. He dabbles in high fashion and loves that Milan, a Xanadu for clotheshorses, is a mere 90-minute drive away. Latvian national coach Bob Hartley, who led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup title in 2001, said last spring Merzlikins’ passion for the game reminds him of Patrick Roy. Ramblings: Elvis, Jumbo Joe, Shorthanded Flyers, Struggling Zibanejad (Feb 19) 2021-02-15: Top 100 Roto Rankings – February 2021: 2021-01-26: Cap League Goalie Rankings – January 2021: 2021-01-21: Top 20 (of 100) Keeper League Goalies – January 2021: 2021-01-04: Dobber’s Offseason Fantasy Grades 2020: Columbus Blue Jackets: 2021-01-02 1 talking about this. We would react. The netminder has been living in this region, known as the Swiss Riviera, since age 15. He’s endured years of emotional and financial hardship. Fortunately, a date with the gutted Senators was just what the doctor ordered. And, of course, there’s the charisma. He arrived bearing flowers and chocolates. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. HC Lugano head coach Greg Ireland used to run the Blue Jackets’ ECHL entry in Dayton. He keeps a journal that he calls “a book” on all his dealings with Merzlikins. Tortorella would love this woman’s attitude. Nobody can predict the future. Sandra remarried and relocated to Lugano, where Elvis lived for the first time until he was 10. There’s the sense of mystery surrounding a prospect who chose to marinate and mature in his adopted hometown of Lugano rather than apprentice in North America the past few years. He drives past a restaurant and steers the sports car down a narrow strip of roadway that opens up to the most spectacular view of Lugano, its Alpine lakes and the surrounding mountain ranges. “I know the police and they know my car,” he said. “He wants to compete so much that when things don’t go his way he becomes even more of a competitor. He’s competing for everything. His brother started taking him to games and once got him into the national team’s locker room, where Merzlikins recalls hugging the pads of legendary Latvian goalie Arturs Irbe. This may indicate a sell-high opportunity. He has his routine. At first glance, the impetuous Merzlikins and cerebral Lawrence are an odd pairing. Merzlikins has almost no memory of his father, but he pays tribute to him in many ways. Not a scratch.” Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. There’s only one exception. He’s learned with the help of coaches to focus on what he can control, but he is eager to see how contract negotiations play out for Bobrovsky and Korpisalo. “The postman definitely knows where I live,” Merzlikins said. Merzlikins loves fast cars. “Elvis used to sit in a wide stance, but now his feet are more narrow and with a good pivot he has a lot of power going across to make that athletic save,” HC Lugano goalies coach Michael Lawrence said. Maxim Letunov – San Jose is a huge fan of the lanky Russian. Connect With Us We encourage you to follow us on social media and to reach out to us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Lawrence believes his goalie is in a great place mentally. LUGANO, Switzerland — Easing his dark gray sports car from a parking garage, Elvis Merzlikins offers a word of caution about rush-hour traffic in the picturesque Swiss city with its steeply pitched shores and Italian accent. He’s one of the top goalies in the whole league.” The groins aren’t going to stay flexible until I’m 40. Look at this car. “I got a little ahead of myself.”. Merzlikins is thankful to everyone who helped him cope with the tragedy. He never flinches. However, the 24-year-old has surprised many and has blossomed into quite the two-way contributor. “You must show respect for the dead,” he said. Life is starting to move really fast for a young man who normally craves speed. Buckle up, Blue Jackets fans. Apparently, GMs didn’t get the memo that Trade Deadline isn’t for another five days. “But at the end of the season I will sit down with (my agent) and see where we go. The kid was extremely bright, he cared deeply about the game, he worked his ass off and he had NHL-caliber talent. When I needed something she always found a way to help me.”, The family moved in with Merzlikins’ grandmother, Milda, when he was 7. It was his defense mechanism.”. I don't use the same formulas and variables used in the regular top goalie list - more emphasis should be on upside here and less emphasis on team strength He’s lost in music and conversation. The strong relationship between Lawrence and Merzlikins might be the best example of the goalie’s growing maturity. He is tough to beat. Value is slightly higher than expected for this player. Lawrence calls the 30-minute chats his “Tuesdays with Morrie” sessions in reference to the Mitch Albom book. Trust began to build, but it remained fragile. “Most of the time, I only have him in my PlayStation. “There were times I did crazy things with a car, but I’m still here because I think my father is helping me.”. “You know those times in your life when you don’t feel like you can breathe.” Elvis intrigue has never been higher in Columbus given the uncertain future of two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky. “Mike has his own book. “I had $130 in the bank and I had to fill up the Jetta. “I said, ‘Stop, I’m this hard on you because you can handle this. “I thought to myself, ‘Who is this Bobrovsky? Merzlikins pulls the car to the side of the road and parks it near a boarded-up restaurant. Elvis Merzlikins’ apartment in Lugano, Switzerland, is filled with his hockey memorabilia. The goalie is starting to understand the importance of not “skipping steps.” He acknowledged doing it again prior to the winner-take-all Game 7 at home against Zurich last season. “The corrections he’s worked on put him in that situation, allowing him to use his big frame and athleticism.”. We all make mistakes. He’s escaped the temptations and dangers of the mean streets in Riga, Latvia, that claimed the lives of childhood friends. “And, I have my weekly thoughts on Elvis. Everyone in the building is applauding. That’s a big chunk of their … Outlook For Six Notable Players On Hot Streaks, and more (Feb 15) 2021-02-14: 21 Fantasy Hockey Rambles: 2021-02-14: Ramblings: Laine Making Friends in Columbus; J. Staal, Teravainen, Markstrom (Feb 14) 2021-02 … It’s why I try to remain calm as Merzlikins attacks a series of switchbacks, barreling up Mount Bre (elevation 3,035 feet) with no idea whether there are oncoming vehicles in the other narrow lane. I’m not saying I’m old, but the years are going by. New posts will not be retrieved. He finished the season with a .921 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average. Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins meets with members of the CBJ media during practice at Nationwide Arena. “He’s become very consistent. His team was on the verge of elimination and Merzlikins stood in his crease feeling he had “no power.”. Statistics of Elvis Merzlikins, a hockey player from Riga, Latvia born Apr 13 1994 who was active from 2013 to 2021. He said two of his childhood friends are dead of overdoses and a third is in jail. The dark hair. “I have never met Tortorella, not had a chance to speak with him,” Merzlikins said. Hockey equipment and ice time are expensive, but Sandra and Renars kept finding money to feed Elvis’ dream. Elvis Merzlikins. “My dream at that time was to buy a watch for my mom and write inside, ‘Mama, I’m finally a champion,’ ” he said. “When I first got here, I could hardly have a meeting with him in the coach’s room. Bobrovsky has suffered through a trying start to the new season while his agent and Blue Jackets management appear nowhere close to a contract extension. What Merzlikins knows is his family life has never been stronger. “All people didn’t watch him seriously because they didn’t believe that he can be something one day. I think he carries, how you say, a lot on his shoulders. The Russians beat Latvia, 4-0, but Merzlikins drew strong reviews for his play in the tournament. He’s overcome the disappearance and death of his father, Vjaceslav. “Yeah, it’s probably my last year in Lugano, but I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Merzlikins said. “I heard some voices that says he’s crazy. Although COVID-19 isn’t reportedly related to his death, it certainly affected … “He’s a man now,” the coach said. That’s why I think he’s going to play in the NHL. While it may be a step back in competition, it should equate to a higher volume in minutes and potentially higher offensive production. (European seasons start earlier than the NHL.) His mother, Sandra, said in an email that as a child Merzlikins would punctuate wins by moonwalking like Michael Jackson on his skates. Turning a corner, he saw one of his old teachers. Sandra often did his homework and Elvis occasionally resorted to stunts not even Bart Simpson would consider to get out of tests he wasn’t ready to take. Ramblings: Midseason Guide Here, Kirill Hat Trick, McDavid Keeps Rolling, One-Year Anniversary of the Pause (Mar 13), Ramblings: Updates on Eichel, Hertl, Meier, Trocheck; trade deadline – March 12, Injury Ward: Markstrom, Ellis, Tarasenko & Andersen, Ramblings: The Beautiful Outdoor Near-Failure, Crosby 1000, McDavid Blows Out Flames (Feb 21), Top 100 Keeper League Goaltenders – February 2021, Daily Fantasy Saturday: You Won’t Be Left Blue with St. Louis or Columbus, Ramblings: Elvis, Jumbo Joe, Shorthanded Flyers, Struggling Zibanejad (Feb 19), Cap League Goalie Rankings – January 2021, Top 20 (of 100) Keeper League Goalies – January 2021, Dobber’s Offseason Fantasy Grades 2020: Columbus Blue Jackets, Eastern Edge: Fantasy goalie tier list for 2021. The coach had been watching Merzlikins play for several years and wanted to make some adjustments to his game. “I called him every day in the summer when I was 25 and I annoyed the shit out of him,” Lawrence said. After the 4-1 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Eaves talks about the performance of some of the younger players including Emil Bemstrom. Fortunately, Merzlikins developed a love for hockey after watching the national team on television. Both made their debuts last Friday but it is the goalie ramblings so we will just talk about Campbell. Merzlikins playfully refers to men he respects and admires as “Daddy” and “Daddio.” Lapierre is one of the father figures who’s earned the distinction. A few tough goals don’t lead to shattered sticks and icy stares at teammates who might have contributed to the quality scoring chances.

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