Elvis Merzlikins gives the Toronto Maple Leafs an ultimatum

Elvis Merzlikins is now back on the ice in Toronto Maple Leafs gear, and the team has to make a quick decision about how they want to handle him going forward.

Earlier this week, we reported that Elvis Merzlikins was skating in Switzerland as part of his rehab. In some new images that had been posted on social media, Merzlikins could be seen wearing Toronto Maple Leafs gear.

For those who may not remember, Merzlikins was acquired as part of the Matthew Knies for Kirill Marchenko trade. At a salary of $5.4 million per season, Merzlikins was considered to be a cap dump of sorts. Without his inclusion in the deal, it wouldn't have worked for either side.

At this time, Merzlikins is on the LTIR. However, the Maple Leafs are now being faced with an ultimatum, knowing that he could be in playing shape ahead of schedule.

Elvis Merzlikins creates a crowded crease

With Sergei Bobrovsky making $7 million per season and Anthony Stolarz making $3.75 million, the Maple Leafs already have a lot of money being dedicated to the goaltending position.

That said, it stands to reason that general manager John Chayka isn't super stoked about the idea of having to pay Merzlikins his $5.4 million salary, especially coming off an injury.

Then you have netminder Artur Akhtyamov, who has a Calder Cup to his name. The goaltending is considered to be the future in Toronto, and another goalie in the system threatens that.

Simply put, the only option Chayka has at this point is a trade. While the Maple Leafs may not get a lot for Merzlikins, they can, at the very least, get some draft capital, which can then be flipped for a defenseman or a whole host of other organizational needs.

The Leafs will only be looking to think about a trade once Merzlikins returns from his injury. In the interim, teams just aren't going to want to take that risk.

This is not an immediate concern for the Leafs, but it is absolutely something they should be thinking about. A decision could creep up on Chayka sooner than he likes.

Either way, this is going to be a fascinating situation for all parties involved, and we will continue to keep tabs on developments concerning the former Blue Jacket.

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Maple Leafs make crucial decision in net as goaltender debate continues