Merzlikin returned to Latvia to visit his seriously ill grandmother

Instead of Merzlikin, the club has recalled goalkeeper Daniil Tarasov from the farm club in the American Hockey League Cleveland “Monsters”, the information was confirmed by the general manager of the Columbus club Jarmo Kekeleinen.

Merzlikin has made 29 saves for the team this season, achieving a 7-17-2 record, as well as saving an average of 88% of shots per game and allowing 4.1 rebounds.

The 23-year-old Tarasov is 2-9-1 in 13 games with the Blue Jackets this season, averaging 90.8% shooting and allowing 3.28 goals per game.

The Blue Jackets are last in the league with 47 points in 64 games.

The hockey players of Columbus will play against the St. Louis “Blues” team on Saturday.