Blue Jackets
be with the Blue Jackets.
“I've been six years here,” said Korpisalo, a third-round pick in 2012 who spent four of those six years as Sergei Bobrovsky's understudy. “I love every season, love the town, love everything here. I just love being here. Obviously, I want to be here 100%.”
Merzlikins, the Jackets' third-round pick in 2014, was just as passionate.
“Obviously, I want to be number one here in Columbus,” he said. “This is business. I don't think, if you can keep (us) both, it's great for the organization … (because) I don't think he's gonna be happy or I'm gonna be happy. I want my net, because I know if I'm gonna have my net, I'm gonna get dangerous. That's what I know.”
The story of how the Blue Jackets got to this point, carrying their talented goalie tandem into a third straight season, is tied to the tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks on July 4 in Novi, Michigan.
Had Kivlenieks not died in a fireworks incident during a celebration at the offseason home of Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace, things might've been different. Kivlenieks was ready to handle an NHL backup role, and sources told The Dispatch that was indeed the plan.
It was never to be.
Instead, the Jackets' goaltending depth took a hit, Merzlikins and Korpisalo stayed together and any trade offers sent to Kekalainen for either of them weren't enticing enough. Both remained Blue Jackets and arrived in Columbus intent on winning the starting job.
Merzlikins' extension appeared to give some clarity on a pecking order between the two, but apparently, that's not the case. At least, not short-term.
Is it at least a sign Korpisalo's time in Columbus is waning?
“You'll have to ask Jarmo about that,” he said. “I'll do everything I can to help the team and play well. Whatever happens, happens … but it's my team. Nothing changes for me.”
Korpisalo is working back from a minor lower-body injury and hopes to get into a preseason game soon. Both are intent on rebounding from last season and earning the bulk of playing time ahead.
“I see a huge trust from my club to me, obviously, but there is a training camp and still … we are here, me and Korpi,” Merzlikins said.