Going in to the 2023-2024 season, Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov appear to be the 1-2 punch in net. Elvis will likely carry the bulk of the load, as he is the #1 goaltender in the organization. Tarasov will be the back-up and will likely play around 20-25 games. The CBJ will need both to play well to achieve their goal of making the playoffs. Will they be good enough?
Elvis’s struggles have been well documented. The hope is that he will improve with the improved defense. However, he still needs to maintain his health and regain his confidence so that he can be the #1 goaltender that this organization needs him to be.