3 players who could be traded this summer the Blackhawks must avoid acquiring

Elvis Merzlikins/Columbus Blue Jackets

There is a good chance the Blackhawks look to acquire an experienced goaltender to serve as Petr Mrazek’s 1B. And on the surface, Elvis Merzlikins looks like a potential good fit as the Blackhawks can afford his $6 million salary this season before it starts falling over the next two years. 

Plus, Merzlikins, despite recent struggles, once upon a time appeared to be on-pace for being one of the NHL’s fastest-rising netminders. A change of scenery would help him, and moving to a rebuilding team - assuming the Blackhawks aren’t on his no-trade list or that he would waive it if they were - could reignite his career. 

But right now, Merzlikins comes with way too much risk, especially for a player who will be heading into what could be a make-or-break age-30 campaign. His future likely isn’t in Columbus, but it also doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets, despite his most recent performances, won’t try and fork a high price for the up-and-down goaltender. 

For the Blackhawks, low-risk moves are the way to roll. And Merzlikins, despite giving wherever he calls home next season a potentially high reward, carries too much risk, even if the Blue Jackets don’t ask for a high price. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)