Drafted in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Merzlikins is swiftly becoming an exciting prospect for the Jackets. In addition to nailing down the starter’s spot for Lugano of the Swiss league this past season, he represented his native Latvia at the World Championships. Merzlikins also led the way for Lugano in the Spengler Cup, where they finished as the runner up. His season was recently capped off by being named the top goaltender in the Swiss League.
At 6’3”, 181 he’s got the size you’d like to see in an NHL goaltender, to go along with excellent athleticism.