Werenski, Merzlikins, Johnson and Evason break down Blue Jackets’ win
Postgame interviews with the Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski, Elvis Merzlikins, Kent Johnson and Dean Evason after a 5-1 win over the Blackhawks.
Elvis Merzlikins, the Blue Jackets’ heavily tattooed goalie, has added new body art honoring Johnny Gaudreau.Â
A year to the day after Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed while bicycling together Aug. 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, Merzlikins and his tattoo artist posted photos on social media of his latest additions: a No. 13 in the font worn on Blue Jackets jerseys and the silhouette of a donkey’s head.
Those two images were added to the same hand that featured a paw to represent Merzlikins’ pet dog, a Cavapoo named Koby.
Merzlikins’ latest tattoos were done locally by Scott Scarberry of Tattoo Cartel, a Columbus parlor. Gaudreau is the second teammate Merzlikins has mourned, following the tragic death of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks on July 4, 2021, in a fireworks-related mishap at the home of former goaltending coach Manny Legace.
The Blue Jackets are close to returning for the upcoming season with the start of training camp in mid-September.
Merzlikins and rookie backup Jet Greaves are set to handle the Jackets’ two NHL goaltending spots. Merzlikins is also preparing to represent Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Dispatch reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social