History of Elvis Merzļikins in Timeline

Elvis Merzļikins is a Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. Known for his athleticism and passion, Merzļikins quickly became a fan favorite in Columbus. Drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2014, he made his NHL debut in 2019. He has also represented Latvia in international competitions, including the World Championships. His strong performances have established him as a key player for the Blue Jackets.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 1994: Elvis Merzļikins' Birth

In April 1994, Elvis Merzļikins was born. He is a Latvian professional ice hockey player who plays as a goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Others born on this day/year

2009: Joined HC Lugano

In 2009, Elvis Merzļikins joined HC Lugano, which allowed him to play in the National League (NL) with a Swiss player license.

2012: Participated in the World Junior Championships

In 2012, Elvis Merzļikins participated in the World Junior Championships as a member of the Latvia junior team.

2012: Playing in National League

In 2012, Elvis Merzļikins played in the National League (NL) with a Swiss player license and did not count as an import player.

September 2013: NL debut with HC Lugano

On September 28, 2013, Elvis Merzļikins made his National League (NL) debut with HC Lugano in a 2–1 victory over Lausanne HC.

2013: Participated in the World Junior Championships

In 2013, Elvis Merzļikins participated in the World Junior Championships as a member of the Latvia junior team.

2014: Drafted by Columbus Blue Jackets

In 2014, Elvis Merzļikins was drafted 76th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL entry draft.

2015: Breakout year

In the 2015 season, Elvis Merzļikins had a breakout year after leading the league in saves (1,484), ranking second in save percentage and fifth in wins with a 23–13–4 record in 44 contests.

June 2016: Three-year contract extension with Lugano

On June 22, 2016, Elvis Merzļikins agreed to a three-year contract extension with Lugano, without an NHL out-clause.

2016: Led HC Lugano to the NL final

In 2016, Elvis Merzļikins led HC Lugano to the NL final where they lost to SC Bern, he posted a .937 save percentage and 2.32 goals against average in 15 playoffs games, and he claimed the Jacques Plante Trophy as the league's best goalie.

2016: Awarded Jacques Plante Trophy

In 2016, Elvis Merzļikins was awarded the Jacques Plante Trophy as best goaltender in the National League while playing for HC Lugano in Switzerland.

2016: Debut in the World Championship

In 2016, Elvis Merzļikins was selected to the Latvia senior team for the World Championship and made his debut in the opening game against Sweden.

2017: Played in the World Championships

In 2017, Elvis Merzļikins played in the World Championships.

2017: Participated in the Spengler Cup

In 2017, Elvis Merzļikins was named to the tournament's all-star team at the Spengler Cup.

2018: Played in the World Championships

In 2018, Elvis Merzļikins played in the World Championships, posting a 1.50 goals against average and .940 save percentage in six contests.

2018: Awarded Jacques Plante Trophy again

In 2018, Elvis Merzļikins was awarded the Jacques Plante Trophy for the second time as best goaltender in the National League while playing for HC Lugano in Switzerland.

2018: Captured Second Jacques Plante Trophy

In the 2017-18 season, Elvis Merzļikins captured his second Jacques Plante Trophy as the league's Goaltender of the Year after finishing fourth in wins and fifth in saver percentage with a 19–15–1 record in 40 contests.

March 2019: Joined Columbus Blue Jackets

On March 20, 2019, after the conclusion of the season with HC Lugano, Elvis Merzļikins left Switzerland and agreed to immediately join the Columbus Blue Jackets for the remainder of their season, signing a one-year, entry-level contract.

October 2019: NHL Debut

On October 5, 2019, Elvis Merzļikins made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowing seven goals and earning the loss.

2019: Moved to North America and NHL Debut

In 2019, Elvis Merzļikins moved to North America and made his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

January 2020: First NHL Shutout

On January 11, 2020, Elvis Merzļikins recorded his first career NHL shutout in a 3–0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

April 2020: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension

On April 23, 2020, during the offseason, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Elvis Merzļikins to a two-year contract extension.

July 2021: Matīss Kivlenieks' Death

During the offseason, on July 4, 2021, while attending a party, an errant firework killed Elvis Merzļikins' friend and fellow Blue Jackets goalie, Matīss Kivlenieks.

July 2021: Loss of his friend Matīss Kivlenieks

In July 2021, Elvis Merzļikins lost his friend and former teammate Matīss Kivlenieks in a fireworks accident.

August 2021: Birth of his first son

In August 2021, Elvis Merzļikins and his wife welcomed their first son, who was named after Matīss Kivlenieks.

September 2021: Signed a Five-Year Contract Extension

On September 21, 2021, Elvis Merzļikins signed a five-year, $27 million contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2022: Season plagued with injuries

During the 2022-23 season, Elvis Merzļikins missed time with various injuries, playing in only 30 games, and his statistics declined.

August 2024: Death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

In August 2024, Elvis Merzļikins' late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles.