Blue Jackets Plot Merzlikins Trade, Canadiens Target Dagenais as Draft Nears

The NHL’s pre-draft landscape shifted significantly in the last 24 hours as two franchises—Montreal and Columbus—made strategic moves to reshape their futures. The Blue Jackets are preparing to offload goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, while the Canadiens are focusing on a local product for their draft selection. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski’s historic Norris Trophy win added another layer to Columbus’ summer of transition.

Columbus’ Rebuild Gains Clarity: Merzlikins on the Block

The Blue Jackets are preparing to offload $5.4 million in cap space by trading Elvis Merzlikins next offseason. The 28-year-old netminder, signed to a five-year, $27 million contract in 2023, has faced challenges with a sub-.900 save percentage in recent seasons. General Manager Don Waddell now has flexibility to retain part of Merzlikins’ salary, potentially making the veteran appealing to contending teams despite his 10-team no-trade clause.

The move signals Columbus’ commitment to youth, with Jet Greaves emerging as the long-term starter. The Blue Jackets also re-signed prospect James Malatesta to a one-year, two-way deal, signaling continuity in their development pipeline.

Montreal’s Draft Focus: Homegrown Talent Dagenais

While Columbus focuses on the present, Montreal is eyeing the future. The Canadiens are considering Maddox Dagenais, a 6-foot-3 center from the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. The Montreal-born product, who rose from 26 points in 43 games as a rookie to 62 points (30 goals) in 62 this season, projects as a gritty middle-six forward with a 51.3% faceoff win rate and 128 penalty minutes.

GM Kent Hughes, known for his measured approach, has not ruled out trading the pick but emphasized the Dagenais fit. “He’s a Montreal kid with size, skill, and physicality,” one scout told Yahoo Sports. “That’s exactly what Hughes wants for a rebuild.” Dagenais’ local ties and power-forward profile make him a compelling dark-horse candidate for the Canadiens.

Werenski’s Norris Triumph Caps Blue Jackets’ Rollercoaster Year

Amid the trade rumors, Zach Werenski etched his name into Columbus’ history by winning the 2026 Norris Trophy with 1,589 total points and 113 first-place votes. The four-time All-Star’s dominance—despite four voters omitting him—highlighted a season of contrasts for the Blue Jackets. Werenski’s performance anchored a defense that graded out as one of the league’s most offensively gifted, even as the team faced challenges.

The Norris win adds prestige to a summer of upheaval for Columbus, which will also weigh free-agent targets like Erik Haula and Scott Laughton as it reshapes its roster.

Looking Ahead: Draft Day and Beyond

With the draft just days away, both Montreal and Columbus are poised to make waves. The Canadiens’ Dagenais focus could signal a shift toward physicality and hometown flair, while the Blue Jackets’ Merzlikins trade will test the market for veteran goalies. Elsewhere, Dylan Larkin’s trade request (listing the Panthers, Wild, and Golden Knights) and Milan Lucic’s retirement after 1,172 games add intrigue to a summer of change.

As the NHL’s landscape evolves, one thing is clear: The teams betting on youth—whether through the draft or trades—are positioning themselves for the next era. The puck drops on that future in Buffalo next week.

— Up next: The Hurricanes face the Golden Knights in a pivotal playoff tilt Sunday night, June 14, at 8:20 PM EDT.