A second UFA who played for the Detroit Red Wings last season has found NHL employment. Published reports indicate that goaltender Cam Talbot will be signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets have been in the market for an experienced netminder since Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery in late August. No timetable has been established as to when Merzlikins might be able to return to the lineup.
In need of a backup for Jet Greaves, Talbot fit the bill. He is expected to get a one-year pact with an AAV of $950,000.
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Columbus will be the ninth NHL team for Talbot, who spent the past two seasons with the Red Wings. He’s also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, and Calgary Flames.
He’s tied with Sean Burke for the second-most career teams among NHL goalies. Another former Red Wings goalie, Curtis Joseph, played for a record 11 teams during his days as an NHL puckstopper.
With the retirement of Jonathan Quick, at 39, Talbot will also be the NHL’s oldest active netminder.
Talbot Struggled in Second Season With Red Wings
The Red Wings signed the veteran goalie as a UFA in the summer of 2024. Talbot was 12-9-6 with a 3.19 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage in 25 appearances for Detroit last season.
Those were Talbot’s worst numbers with a team since his brief four-game stint with the Flyers in 2018-19 (3.70, .881).
He was 1-3-4 in his final eight decisions for the Wings.
Talbot is just the second UFA who played for the Red Wings last season to find NHL work. Previously, Patrick Kane signed a two-year contract to return to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Forwards James van Riemsdyk and David Perron and defenseman Travis Hamonic are still seeking NHL employment.
