By MITCH STACY AP Sports Writer
COLUMBUS (AP) — The Blue Jackets have signed rookie goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to a two-year, $8 million contract.
The 26-year-old Latvian became a fan favorite while successfully filling in for an injured Joonas Korpisalo in the second half of the season.
Merzlikins was set to become a restricted free agent.
The team announced Merzlikin’s signing less than a week after tying up Korpisalo with a two-year contract worth a reported $5.6 million.
The team may decide to trade one of them for some much-needed scoring help.