2024 All-Star Goalie Signs with the Red Wings
Following a down season in 2022-23, which saw goaltender Cam Talbot suffer multiple setbacks including a broken rib and another lower-body injury, the 11-year goalie entered last season with the Los Angeles Kings aiming to have a reset and find success once again. With the Kings, Talbot played in 50 or more games for the first time since his 2017-18 season with the Edmonton Oilers. The veteran goaltender would record 27 wins with Los Angeles last season and be named a 2024 All-Star as he helped propel the Kings to the playoffs for their third straight postseason appearance. Despite their season coming to an abrupt end, with the Kings losing to the Oilers in five games in the first round, Talbot entered free agency as one of the top goaltenders on the market. Now, the Detroit Red Wings have signed Talbot to a two-year deal for five million.
Prior to joining the NHL, Talbot started his college hockey career at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he spent three seasons. In college, Talbot tallied a 15-44-6 record, a 3.39 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and two shutouts in 70 games played. In his 2009-10 collegiate season, Talbot was named the Most Valuable Player in the CHA Tournament and helped lead his team to a berth in the NCAA Tournament. In March 2010, Talbot signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent and would work his way up to becoming the backup goaltender to former Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist during the 2014-15 season. After spending his first two seasons in New York, Talbot was traded to the Oilers in June 2015, where spent his next four seasons. With the Oilers, Talbot had his best success in his career as he recorded a 104-95-19 record, a 2.83 GAA, a .909 save percentage, and 12 shutouts in 227 games played.
Talbot adds a lot of experience to the Red Wings’ lineup with his reliable presence between the pipes and ability to make crucial saves. He has made a name for himself in the NHL as a dependable goalie who can handle the demands of the crease and steady the defense of his team. He will be an invaluable addition for the Red Wings, who were trying to cement their goaltender position, because of his composed attitude and leadership abilities. With his reflexes and positioning still as good as ever going into the upcoming season, 36-year-old Talbot will make a valuable impact on the Red Wings’ performance next season.
