Blue Jackets Sign Cam Talbot to 1-Year Deal – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

Veteran goaltender Cam Talbot has signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The deal is worth $950k. Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported the news on Monday afternoon.

Blue Jackets Sign Talbot

Talbot, 39, has spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. In 34 games last season, he posted a 12-9-6 record alongside a 3.19 goals-against average (GAA) and an .883 save percentage (SV%). In his 13-year NHL career, he has posted a 278-204-53 record with a 2.69 GAA and a .911 SV%.

In addition to the Red Wings, Talbot has also played with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings. He has been an All-Star twice, once with the Wild and once with the Kings.

Talbot’s Role in Columbus

Despite being 38 years old, Talbot is still a reliable goaltender. Last season, he played well, even outperforming John Gibson at times. He ultimately ended the season as the Red Wings’ backup. He still showed he can compete between the pipes.

Talbot has experience as a starter and as a backup. With the Blue Jackets, it appears he will be the backup. Jet Greaves will likely serve as the starter while Elvis Merzlikins recovers from shoulder surgery. Talbot, however, may get the opportunity to earn more playing time depending on his performance.

Smart Signing by the Jackets

Talbot has defined consistency in his career. He has had only three seasons with an SV% under .900. Furthermore, he has had only four seasons with a GAA above 3.00. Even when he has not been on the best defensive teams, he still holds his own in net and has given his team a chance to win.

He has not really shown his age. No, he cannot play 73 games as he did in 2016-17, but when he is in goal, the Blue Jackets should feel strong about their chances of winning.

Speaking of Age…

Father Time is undefeated. Talbot’s production may start to decline, but for now, he is still strong between the pipes and will be an asset to his new team. He may not move the needle too much, but Blue Jackets fans should appreciate what the netminder brings to the roster.