EDMONTON, Alberta — The Blue Jackets’ plans for prospect goaltender Elvis Merzlikins have hit a snag before the Latvian-born 24-year-old has even arrived in North America.



Merzlikins still is set to sign a one-year entry-level contract with the Jackets, a deal that is nearly completed and could be announced at any time.



But Merzlikins won’t be going to Cleveland to play for the Blue Jackets’ top minor-league affiliate as the Jackets’ brass had hoped.



The plan was for Merzlikins to sign a tryout agreement as defenseman Zach Werenski did with Cleveland in 2015-16. But if Merzlikins had signed such an agreement, it would have pushed his one-year entry-level contract to next season.



According to multiple sources in Europe, Merzlikins is using the leverage he’s gained during an exemplary run in Switzerland the past five seasons to avoid playing in the AHL altogether.



He’s also using his status —...