Three questions facing Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, three important questions facing the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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1. Will Merzlikins rebound?
The Blue Jackets put their trust in Elvis Merzlikins on Sept. 21, 2021, by signing him to a five-year, $27 million extension after he shared playing time with Joonas Korpisalo the previous two seasons.
Merzlikins went 27-23-7 with a 3.22 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and two shutouts under difficult circumstances last season. A young team was prone to defensive lapses, and he admitted to still coming to grips with witnessing the death of goalie and best friend Matiss Kivlenieks in a fireworks accident July 4, 2021.
The signing of former Calgary Flames defenseman Erik Gudbranson will add experience and muscle.
Merzlikins had to carry the load after Korpisalo and promising rookie Daniil Tarasov each sustained a season-ending hip injury in the second half of the season that required surgery. The Blue Jackets hope they are ready for the start of the season, but the job is Merzlikins' to lose.
In an ideal situation, Merzlikins returns to his rookie season form of 2019-20 (13-9-8, 2.35, .923, five shutouts), Korpisalo plays well enough as a backup and Tarasov, who some in the organization believe may be the best of the three, is a viable understudy for the future.

2. Is Jack Roslovic a top-line center?
The Blue Jackets have struggled to find a long-term top-line center and are hoping Roslovic could be the answer.
After a slow start last season, the hometown player improved defensively, which led to more offensive chances. He had 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists) -- all NHL career highs -- in 81 games, including 13 points (10 goals, three assists) in the final 10 games.
The Blue Jackets signed Roslovic to a two-year, $8 million contract June 7.
3. If not Roslovic, what about Cole Sillinger?
The rookie, son of former Columbus center Mike Sillinger, made quite an impression last season as an 18-year-old when he had 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists). He was the second Blue Jackets player to score more than 10 goals in a season before age 19 (Rick Nash, 17 in 2002-03), and on March 13 against the Vegas Golden Knights he became the second-youngest player in Blue Jackets history with a hat trick (Nikita Filatov).
Sillinger will vie to be the No. 1 center, but he may need more seasoning before assuming that role.