Larsen says Merzlikins not assured of starting goalie job

Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins received a measure of job security Tuesday with a five-year contract extension worth $27 million. What he didn’t get was a guarantee he’ll be the No. 1 goalie this season ahead of Joonas Korpisalo, with whom he has split time the past two seasons.

Korpisalo is also in the final year of his contract and preparing to compete with Merzlikins for the starting job. Both are 27and entering the prime of their careers.

“I’m really happy for Elvis, but we all understood our goalie situation,” coach Brad Larsen said. “We’ve got two really good goalies. There’s the business side of it and Elvis gets signed, but for me, if Korpi’s playing next, he’s going to play. I’m not going to coach the money. That doesn’t make sense, right? Especially at that position. If there’s a guy that’s hot, if Korpi’s rolling, Korpi’s gonna play. And Elvis knows that. He’s a competitor.”

Larsen doesn’t have a specific number of games in mind for either. He’s planning to play the hot hand and monitor each goalie’s workload during another season with a large number of back-to-back games.

Domi, Fix-wolansky skating

Max Domi doesn’t have a timetable for his return from offseason shoulder surgery, but the 26-year old forward is making good progress. He’s not cleared for contact, but he’s back on the ice and working with skills coach Kenny Mccudden.

“Max Domi’s ahead of the schedule, but (his return) is going to depend on when he starts on the ice and then when he progresses to the contact and all that,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “It’s not only time to heal, but getting back into game condition.”

Larsen said Domi is working hard to return as soon as possible.

“Max is hungry,” Larsen said. “I know he wants to play. We’ve got to be smart with him, too.”

Kekalainen said the same applies to forward Trey Fix-wolansky, who is back on the ice for individual work after knee surgery cut last season short with the Cleveland Monsters. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger

KYLE ROBERTSON/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Joonas Korpisalo will again battle Elvis Merzlikins for playing time.