Cam Talbot Explained

Birth Date:5 July 1987
Birth Place:Caledonia, Ontario, Canada
Height Ft:6
Height In:4
Weight Lb:196
Position:Goaltender
Catches:Left
League:NHL
Team:Detroit Red Wings
Former Teams:New York Rangers
Edmonton Oilers
Philadelphia Flyers
Calgary Flames
Minnesota Wild
Ottawa Senators
Los Angeles Kings
Ntl Team:CAN
Draft:Undrafted
Career Start:2010

Cameron Talbot (born July 5, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings.

Before joining the NHL, Talbot played at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he was named an All-College Hockey America Second Team and MVP in the 2010 CHA tournament. Internationally, Talbot has represented Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.[1] [2]

Playing career

Amateur

Cam Talbot grew up in Caledonia, Ontario, and started playing with the Caledonia Thunder MHA programs before joining the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs of the South Central AAA League in Minor Bantam. He played three seasons of AAA hockey, was undrafted in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection, and returned to the Jr. Bulldogs, where he played a season of Major Midget.

After a solid Major Midget season, Talbot made the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) for the 2004–05 season.

Talbot played college hockey at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.[3] In the 2009–10 season, he was named to the All-College Hockey America Second Team and was named the Most Valuable Player in the CHA Tournament, while leading the Chargers to a berth in the NCAA Tournament.[4]

Professional

New York Rangers

On March 30, 2010, the NHL's New York Rangers signed Talbot as a free agent.[5] He was promoted to the Rangers on February 28, 2011, after playing the majority of the 2010–11 season with the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (AHL) (he also played two ECHL games with the Greenville Road Warriors)[6] and was returned to the Whale on March 3, 2011.[7] [8]

Talbot played the 2011–12 season with Connecticut, but after Connecticut was eliminated from the AHL playoffs, Talbot was added to the Rangers' Stanley Cup playoff roster.[9] After the 2012–13 Whale season, he was again added to the Rangers' playoff roster.[10] Talbot was again called up to the Rangers on October 15, 2013, after Martin Biron was demoted to the AHL, finding himself a place in the NHL for the first time as the backup to starter Henrik Lundqvist.[11] Talbot made his on-ice NHL debut on October 24 in a 2–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.[12] [13] His first NHL win came in his next game, against the Detroit Red Wings, on October 26, 2013,[14] [15] and he earned his first NHL shutout against the Montreal Canadiens on November 16, 2013.[16] In the 2014 playoffs, Talbot twice entered to relieve Lundqvist en route to the Rangers' Eastern Conference title before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Kings in the Finals.[17]

For the 2014–15 season, Talbot began the year as the Rangers' backup goaltender, and in his first eight games played, he recorded three shutouts, matching his total from the entire previous season.

On February 3, 2015, Talbot became New York's temporary starting goaltender after Henrik Lundqvist suffered a vascular injury in his neck area. Talbot started 24 of the Rangers' next 26 games (Mackenzie Skapski played the other two) until March 27, when Lundqvist returned to the line-up. During Lundqvist's absence, Talbot performed better in net and went 17–4–3. Talbot ended the season with a lower GAA (2.21), and a higher save percentage (.926) than Lundqvist (2.25 GAA, .922 save percentage). For his remarkable efforts towards New York's Presidents' Trophy-winning season, he received the Steve McDonald Extra Effort Award on April 6.

Edmonton Oilers

On June 27, 2015, Talbot was traded by the Rangers to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for three draft picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.[18] Talbot competed for Edmonton's #1 goaltender spot with Anders Nilsson during his first season with the Oilers.[19] On January 17, 2016, the Oilers signed Talbot to a three-year, $12 million contract extension.[20] Nilsson was eventually traded to the St. Louis Blues, leaving Cam Talbot as Edmonton's starting goaltender.[19] On April 6, 2017, Talbot set an Oilers record for most wins in a season passing Grant Fuhr, who had 40 wins, by earning 41 wins.[21] Talbot finished the season by leading the NHL in games played (72 of 82 in the regular season) and time on ice by a goaltender, as well as tied for first in wins with 42. The Oilers finished that season second in the Pacific Division, with 103 points. Talbot helped the Oilers reach Game 7 of the Western Semifinals, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first playoff appearance by the Oilers in ten years. Talbot finished the playoffs with a 2.88 GAA, a .924 save percentage, and two shutouts.[22]

On October 4, 2017, Talbot recorded a 27-save shutout in the 2017–18 season-opener against the Calgary Flames.[23] Talbot and the Oilers would not be able to replicate the previous season's success, and missed the playoffs. Talbot finished the season with a 31–31–3 record with a goals-against-average of 3.02.[24] By 2018–19, his play had dipped again and he had been surpassed by Mikko Koskinen in the Oilers net.[25]

Philadelphia Flyers

On February 15, 2019, Talbot was traded by the Oilers to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for goaltender Anthony Stolarz.[26] Talbot had to waive his no-movement contract clause to be traded to the Flyers. Philadelphia acquired him to be both competition and a mentor to young goaltender Carter Hart and to replace Brian Elliott as backup.[27] However, his numbers did not improve with Philadelphia, which was one of the worst teams in terms of goals against.[28]

Calgary Flames

On July 1, 2019, having left the Flyers as a free agent, Talbot was signed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Calgary Flames. On February 1, 2020, Talbot fought fellow goalie Mike Smith during a Battle of Alberta game.[29] During the COVID-19 pandemic and the NHL's return to play, Talbot backstopped the Flames to a 3–1 series win over the Winnipeg Jets including a game four shutout of the Jets, earning Talbot the nickname "Yes We Cam" Talbot.[30]

Minnesota Wild

On October 9, 2020, the opening day of free agency, Talbot left the Flames and agreed to a three-year deal worth $11 million to become the starting goaltender for the Minnesota Wild.[31] He recorded a 19–8–5 record during the regular season in his first campaign with the Wild, leading them to a playoff spot. However, the Wild were eliminated in the first round of the 2021 playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights.[32] Talbot and young backup Kaapo Kähkönen played most of the 2021–22 season as the goalie tandem in Minnesota. However, the Wild traded out Kähkönen and acquired goaltender Marc-André Fleury at the trade deadline to improve their depth in goal.[33] The Wild played Fleury through most of the first round playoff loss to the St. Louis Blues. Fleury, a pending free agent, re-signed with Minnesota in the off-season, allowing Wild general manager Bill Guerin to make Talbot available for trade despite stating that he intended to keep Talbot.[34]

Ottawa Senators

On July 12, 2022, with a year remaining on his contract, Talbot was traded by the Wild to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Filip Gustavsson.[35] On December 12, 2022, Talbot got his first shutout with his new team, making 32 saves in a 3–0 win over the Anaheim Ducks.[36] On December 27, 2022 Talbot stopped 49 of 51 shots in a 3–2 shootout win over the Boston Bruins,[37] setting the Senators team record for saves recorded in a win.[38] However, Talbot suffered a sequence of injuries including a broken rib[39] and a lower-body injury that kept him out of the lineup for three weeks.[40] Despite plans by both Talbot and the Ottawa Senators for him to remain in Ottawa, a difference in contract length led Ottawa's general manager Pierre Dorion to announce in April 2023 that Talbot would not return with the team.[39]

Los Angeles Kings

At the opening of free agency on July 1, 2023, Talbot signed an incentive-laden, one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings. During the 2023–24 season, appeared in 54 games and posted a 27–20–6 record with a 2.50 GAA, a .913 save percentage and three shutouts.[41]

Detroit Red Wings

On July 1, 2024, Talbot signed as a free agent to a two-year, $5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.[42]

Personal life

Talbot married his wife Kelly in 2011,[43] and the two had twins in October 2016.[44]

Dating back to his time with the New York Rangers, Talbot has worn masks bearing characters and imagery from the Ghostbusters movies, painted by artist David Gunnarsson.[45] [46] This design also developed the goaltender's identity into being known as "Goalbuster."'[47]

International play

Talbot attended the 2016 IIHF World Championship as the starting goaltender for Team Canada. He led the team to its second straight gold medal at the tournament and tied a tournament record for shutouts with 4.[48]

Records

Edmonton Oilers

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

  Regular season Playoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPWLT/OTMINGASOGAASV%GPWLMINGASOGAASV%
2004–05Hamilton Red WingsOPJHL19
2005–06Hamilton Red WingsOPJHL35251312,0468712.55.90814869035213.46.891
2006–07Hamilton Red WingsOPJHL2819521,6445712.08.9181913612435102.46.923
2007–08Alabama–Huntsville ChargersCHA1311005834504.63.860
2008–09Alabama–Huntsville ChargersCHA2421631,3206512.95.907
2009–10Alabama–Huntsville ChargersCHA33121831,9588512.61.925
2009–10Hartford Wolf PackAHL100019309.70.727
2010–11Hartford Wolf Pack / CT WhaleAHL2211921,3086222.84.90210138203.13.917
2010–11Greenville Road WarriorsECHL2101122502.46.921
2011–12Connecticut WhaleAHL33141511,8658142.61.9139545712022.10.939
2012–13Connecticut WhaleAHL55252813,10513622.63.918
2013–14Hartford Wolf PackAHL54013141302.49.924
2013–14New York RangersNHL2112611,2113331.64.94120146202.61.846
2014–15New York RangersNHL3621942,0957752.21.926
2015–16Edmonton OilersNHL56212753,22313732.55.917
2016–17Edmonton OilersNHL73422284,29417172.39.91913768003322.48.924
2017–18Edmonton OilersNHL67313133,73118813.02.908
2018–19Edmonton OilersNHL31101531,6959513.36.893
2018–19Philadelphia FlyersNHL41202111303.70.881
2019–20Calgary FlamesNHL26121011,4356322.63.91910545962422.42.924
2020–21Minnesota WildNHL3319851,9618622.63.9157344161722.45.923
2021–22Minnesota WildNHL49321242,86513232.77.91110158404.14.846
2022–23Ottawa SenatorsNHL36171421,9479512.93.898
2023–24Los Angeles KingsNHL54272063,11613032.50.9133121811605.30.861
NHL totals4862451764227,7821,220312.63.9133616182,0969662.75.915

International

YearTeamEventResultGPWLTMINGASOGAASV%
2006Canada EastWJAC4310240701.75.916
2016CanadaWC87104801041.25.940
Junior totals4310240701.75.916
Senior totals87104801041.25.940

Awards and honours

AwardYearRef
NHL
All-Star Game2022, 2024[49]
New York Rangers
Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award2015[50]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Talbot helps rescue Alabama-Huntsville hockey program. NHL.com.
  2. Web site: 2016 IIHF World Championships All-Star Team. The Hockey Writers. May 24, 2016.
  3. Web site: Talbot beat odds to get NHL contract. June 18, 2010. New York Rangers. 2011-02-28.
  4. Cam Talbot . The Hockey News . November 2, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104055724/http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.cgi?7933 . November 4, 2013 . live . mdy .
  5. http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=523272 Rangers add free agent goalie Talbot – New York Rangers – News
  6. Web site: Premier 'AA' Hockey League | Five debuts give ECHL 520 players to reach NHL . The Echl . 2013-11-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131107170921/http://www.echl.com/five-debuts-give-echl-520-players-to-reach-nhl-p188159 . November 7, 2013 . dead .
  7. Web site: Goalie Talbot called up from Greenville. February 28, 2011. New York Rangers. 2011-02-28.
  8. Web site: Johnson called up from Connecticut. March 3, 2011. New York Rangers. 2011-03-03.
  9. Web site: McIlrath added to Rangers playoff roster. Gourlie, M.. Moose Jaw Times-Herald. May 15, 2012. 2012-05-16. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131022101435/http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/Sports/Hockey/2012-05-15/article-2980222/McIlrath-added-to-Rangers-playoff-roster/1. October 22, 2013. mdy-all.
  10. Web site: Rangers call up 10 players from Whale. April 28, 2013. New York Rangers. 2013-04-29.
  11. Web site: Cerny . Jim . J.T. Miller and Cam Talbot Join Rangers . Blueshirts United . October 24, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131017025741/http://blueshirtsunited.com/posts/4040/rangers-recall-miller-talbot-from-hartford . October 17, 2013 . dead . October 15, 2013 . mdy .
  12. Web site: Cerny . Jim . Wednesday Practice Report: Talbot In For Hurt Lundqvist In Philly . Blueshirts United . October 24, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131024190248/http://blueshirtsunited.com/posts/4089/wednesday-practice-report-talbot-in-for-hurt-lundqvist-in-philly . October 24, 2013 . dead . October 23, 2013 . mdy .
  13. News: Coburn's goal gives Flyers 2–1 win over Rangers. Wisniwski, M.. Associated Press. October 24, 2013. 2013-10-26. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304224435/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/coburns-goal-gives-flyers-2-015837263--nhl.html. dead.
  14. News: Brassard's OT goal gives Rangers win over Detroit. Associated Press. 2013-10-26. October 26, 2013. December 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151223111415/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/brassards-ot-goal-gives-rangers-020448310--nhl.html. dead.
  15. News: Derick Brassard scores game-winning goal to lift NY Rangers past Red Wings. Leonard, P.. New York Daily News. 2013-10-26. October 26, 2013.
  16. Web site: Talbot's shutout gives Rangers rare win in Montreal. Murphy, J.. NHL.com. 2013-11-17. November 17, 2013.
  17. Web site: Rangers backup G Cam Talbot injured, out for Stanley Cup finals opener; untested Leneveu is in. Fox News. 2014-06-08. 2014-06-04.
  18. News: Rangers trade Cam Talbot and Carl Hagelin . . 2015-06-27 . 2015-06-27.
  19. Web site: Cult of Hockey: Trade confirmed -- Oilers deal Anders Nilsson to Blues for goalie prospect Niklas Lundstrom, 5th round pick . Edmonton Journal . McCurdy . Bruce . February 27, 2016 . February 22, 2023.
  20. Web site: Oilers agree to three-year extension with Talbot . . 2016-01-17 . 2016-01-18.
  21. Web site: McLaren . Ian . Talbot sets Oilers' single-season wins record . thescore.com . September 27, 2018 . April 7, 2017.
  22. Web site: Edmonton Oilers Stats | 2016–2017.
  23. Web site: Gazzola . Paul . Game Story: Oilers 3, Flames 0 . NHL.com . September 27, 2018 . October 5, 2017.
  24. Web site: What went wrong with the Edmonton Oilers this year? Cam Talbot tops the list . Edmonton Journal . Staples . David . April 8, 2019 . February 22, 2023.
  25. Web site: Cam Talbot traded to Flyers, Koskinen now king in Edmonton . Edmonton Journal . Staples . David . February 15, 2019 . February 22, 2023.
  26. Web site: Oilers trade Talbot to Flyers for Stolarz . . February 15, 2019 . February 15, 2019.
  27. Web site: Cam Talbot 'very open' to signing extension after Flyers traded for him . Courier Post . Isaac . Dave . February 16, 2019 . February 22, 2023.
  28. Web site: NHL free agency 2019: Flames, Oilers swap goalies as Cam Talbot, Mike Smith sign new deals . Sporting News . Spiegel . Jackie . July 1, 2019 . February 22, 2023.
  29. Web site: Brehm . Mike . Goalies Mike Smith, Cam Talbot fight as Oilers-Flames rivalry heats up . USA TODAY . 22 January 2021 . 2 February 2020.
  30. Web site: Flames sign Cam Talbot . . July 1, 2019 . July 1, 2019.
  31. Web site: Wild signs goalie Cam Talbot to a three-year contract . . October 9, 2020 . October 9, 2020.
  32. Web site: Wild ousted from playoffs due to injuries, scoring issues . Nicholas J. . Cotsonika . NHL.com . 29 May 2021 . 22 February 2023.
  33. Web site: Stanley Cup Playoffs Goalie Power Rankings: Who has the edge? . Sportsnet . Boylen . Rory . May 2, 2022 . February 22, 2023.
  34. Web site: Minnesota Wild deal disgruntled goaltender Cam Talbot to Ottawa Senators for Filip Gustavsson . ESPN . Greg . Wyshynski . July 12, 2022.
  35. Web site: Ottawa Senators acquire goaltender Cam Talbot from Minnesota . . July 12, 2022 . July 12, 2022.
  36. Web site: Talbot gets first shutout with Sens in win over Ducks . TSN . The Canadian Press . December 12, 2023 . June 9, 2023.
  37. Web site: Talbot shines, DeBrincat settles it as Senators beat Bruins in shootout . CBC Sports . Desaulniers . Darren . The Canadian Press . December 27, 2022 . June 9, 2023.
  38. Web site: Looking Out For Number One: Cam Talbot's Record-Setting Night . Warne . Steve . Faces Magazine . December 28, 2022 . June 9, 2023.
  39. Web site: Cam Talbot Will Not Be Back in Ottawa Next Season: Now What? . The Hockey News . Warne . Steve . April 18, 2023 . June 9, 2023.
  40. Web site: Senators goalie Cam Talbot out three weeks with lower-body injury . CityNews . March 9, 2023 . June 9, 2023.
  41. Web site: Kings sign Goaltender Cam Talbot to one-year deal . . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023.
  42. Web site: Red Wings sign goaltender Cam Talbot to two-year contract . NHL.com . Thomas . Roth . July 1, 2024 . July 1, 2024.
  43. Web site: KELLY TALBOT – THE HARDEST JOB IN HOCKEY . yegfitness.ca . September 27, 2018 . July 27, 2017.
  44. Web site: Tilley . Meg . Two by two . NHL.com . September 27, 2018 . October 19, 2016.
  45. Web site: Mizutani . Dane . Wild goaltender Cam Talbot explains Ghostbusters mask design . Twin Cities.com . 13 November 2021 . 16 January 2021.
  46. Web site: Clinton . Jared . Oilers' Cam Talbot loads up the Ecto-1 on new Ghostbusters mask . The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated . 13 November 2021 . en . 5 October 2016.
  47. Web site: Talbot's new mask depicts his twins as 'Ghostbusters' cartoons . NHL.com . March 15, 2019 . August 21, 2017.
  48. Web site: Canada #1 at 2016 IIHF World Championship.
  49. Web site: 2022 NHL All-Star Game rosters, captains announced. .nhl.com. January 13, 2022. January 13, 2022.
  50. Web site: Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award . NHL.com . April 8, 2024.