Merzlikins out indefinitely for Blue Jackets after shoulder surgery

Elvis Merzlikins is out indefinitely for the Columbus Blue Jackets after having shoulder surgery, the team announced on Thursday.

"Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. "Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He'll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we'll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice."

The 32-year-old goalie was 14-11-3 with a 3.40 goals-against average, .883 save percentage and one shutout in 30 games (29 starts) for Columbus last season, his seventh with the team.

Selected by the Blue Jackets in the third round (No. 76) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Merzlikins is 108-111-38 with a 3.22 GAA, .900 save percentage and 12 shutouts in 274 regular-season games (258 starts) and 1-1 with a 1.96 GAA and .946 save percentage is two Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Columbus is scheduled to open training camp on Sept. 16 with the first day of on-ice workouts the next day. Its first preseason game is against the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 21, and it will open the regular season against the Buffalo Sabres on October 1.