CALGARY, Alberta — The Blue Jackets are closing in on a one-year, entry-level contract with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, a deal that would allow the much-ballyhooed prospect to finally make the leap to North America.



Merzlikins, 24, is meeting today in Switzerland with his agent, Hnat Domenichelli, to work through the final details of his contract and his travel plans.



The contract should come together quickly. Getting Merzlikins a work visa could take more time, but the expectation is that he’ll fly to Columbus on Sunday or the following day.



The plan is for him to meet with the Blue Jackets in Columbus — perhaps putting ink to his contract officially — and then soon head to Cleveland to settle in with the Monsters. He’d likely make his debut March 29-30 versus Lehigh Valley in Quicken Loans Arena.



Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen declined to comment.



By signing Merzlikins now, the Blue Jackets will burn his...