As the 2026 Winter Olympics officially get underway in Milan-Cortina, all eyes in Columbus are on the crease. Elvis Merzļikins, the veteran netminder for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is set to make his Olympic debut today, 12 February 2026, representing Latvia in a high-stakes opening match against the United States.
The matchup at Santagiulia Arena carries a unique narrative for Blue Jackets fans, as Merzļikins will face off against his long-time NHL teammate and star defenceman, Zach Werenski, who is anchoring the American blue line. Merzļikins enters the tournament on a significant hot streak, having won his last three NHL starts before the break, including a shutout in his final appearance for Columbus.
2025-26 NHL Season Performance
Before departing for Italy, Merzļikins helped keep the Blue Jackets (28-20-7) in the playoff hunt. While his season averages reflect the challenges of a rebuilding Columbus defence, his recent form has been elite.
| Statistic | 2025-26 Regular Season Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 11-8-1 |
| Goals Against Average (GAA) | 3.48 |
| Save Percentage (SV%) | .888 |
| Shutouts | 1 |
Olympic Outlook: Team Latvia
Merzļikins is expected to carry the bulk of the workload for Latvia during the group stage. While he shares the locker room with Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Artūrs Šilovs, Merzļikins was confirmed as the starter for the opener against the Americans by team staff earlier this week. Following the game against the USA, Latvia is scheduled to face Germany, a game that will feature Merzļikins testing himself against six active NHL players on the German roster.
The 31-year-old Latvian remains under contract with Columbus through the end of the 2026-27 season, carrying a cap hit of $5,400,000. His performance on the international stage is being closely monitored by NHL scouts and fantasy managers alike, as his “late bloomer” trajectory suggests he remains capable of elite-level stretches despite the heavy volume of shots he faces in the NHL.
Upcoming Schedule:
Latvia vs. USA – 12 February 2026
Latvia vs. Germany – 14 February 2026