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Columbus Blue Jackets News
Merzlikins will start vs. Toronto on Wednesday.

The Blue Jackets are on the second half of a back-to-back after beating Buffalo 4-3 on Tuesday and will continue their goal rotation as they turn back to Elvis Merlikins vs. Toronto on Wednesday. Despite splitting starts, Merzlikins has been sensational in 2025-26, with his 3-1-0 record, .915 SV% and 2.96 GAA. He will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, who will be looking for a third straight win after their 4-3 victory over Calgary the night before.

Elvis Merzlikins
Wood (upper-body) will return to Columbus' lineup on Tuesday in Buffalo.

Wood suffered a scary injury in the Blue Jackets third game of the season, exiting early after an errant stick caught him directly in his eye. Despite the scary scene, Wood avoided a significant injury and will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. Zach Aston-Reese will serve as a healthy scratch to accommodate Wood's return.

Miles Wood
Greaves will start in Buffalo on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets have had an up-and-down start to the season with a 4-4-0 record, but have benefited from some solid goaltending in the process. The 24-year-old Greaves has been unable to replicate the elite 1.91 GAA and .938 SV% he had in 11 games with the Blue Jackets last season (7-2-2), but has remained serviceable when called upon, posting a 2.79 GAA and .903 SV% in four games (1-3-0). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +107 road underdogs against a Sabres team that is clicking offensively, outscoring their opposition 25-17 in their last six games (4-1-1).

Jet Greaves
Gudbranson (lower-body) will return to Columbus' lineup on Friday vs. Washington.

Gudbranson has been sidelined for two weeks due to a lower-body injury but will return to the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals. The 33-year-old Gudbranson is in his 15th NHL season, his fourth with the Blue Jackets, and was set to be a lineup-regular this season after being limited to only 16 games in 2024-25 because of a shoulder injury.

Erik Gudbranson
Greaves will start vs. Washington on Friday.

The Blue Jackets won their previous game, 5-1 over the Dallas Stars, aided by a strong performance from Elvis Merzlikins, but they will continue their goalie rotation, turning to Greaves on Friday against the Washington Capitals. The 24-year-old Greaves has been excellent early in the 2025-26 season despite a losing 1-2-0 record, posting a stellar 2.04 GAA and .928 SV%. The Blue Jackets enter Friday's contest as slight +102 home underdogs against a Capitals team that has outscored its opponents 21-13 through seven games (5-2-0).

Jet Greaves
Merzlikins will start in Dallas on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets have had an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 season, showcasing a 2-3-0 record, and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. Merzlikins has been adequate when called upon, posting a 3.54 GAA and .920 SV%. He has been splitting time in the Blue Jackets' crease with Jet Greaves and will likely continue to do so until one of them pulls away with momentum. The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +168 road underdogs against a Stars team amid a two-game losing skid.

Elvis Merzlikins
Greaves will start Saturday vs. the Lightning.

Greaves stopped 25 of 27 shots in Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Devils. Despite a strong start to the season (2.06 GAA, .932 SV%), he’s still searching for his first win (0-2-0). He’s expected to face a Lightning team playing the second half of a back-to-back, with Jonas Johansson likely starting on the other side. Columbus enters as -117 home favourites.

Jet Greaves
Greaves is in the starter's crease at the Blue Jackets' morning skate.

Greaves stopped 25 of 27 shots in Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Devils. Despite a strong start to the season (2.06 GAA, .932 SV%), he’s still searching for his first win (0-2-0). He’s expected to face a Lightning team playing the second half of a back-to-back, with Jonas Johansson likely starting on the other side. Columbus enters as -117 home favourites.

Jet Greaves
Merzlikins will start vs. Colorado on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets have alternated goalies through the first three games of the regular season and will continue that trend in game four on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, awarding Merzlikins his second start of 2025-26. The 31-year-old Merzlikins played well in his only contest this season, despite allowing four goals, saving a whopping 48 of 52 shots (.923 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opponents 13-8 through four games this season (3-0-1).

Elvis Merzlikins