Calgary Flames
Will the Calgary Flames Re-sign Goalie Cam Talbot?
Cam Talbot had a so-so regular season with the Calgary Flames, but he had a great playoffs. Are the Flames likely to resign him?
To be blunt, the Calgary Flames Cam Talbot is no longer one of the best goalies in the NHL. However, he did quite a good job of holding his team in the playoffs. That said, the Flames were eliminated in the first round. Still, he can’t shoulder all the blame for that.
Still, that’s what he did. During Game 6, when the Flames were eliminated 7-3, he took the blame saying: “When we needed it the most, I wasn’t there.” That said, he was replaced by David Rittich who did even worse. Talbot let in four goals on 15 shots; Rittich let in three goals on nine shots.
That Was Then; This Is Now
But that’s old news. Right now, in a week, free agency starts, and Talbot is a free agent. He’s made it clear; he’d like to re-sign with the Flames.
As reported in today’s Calgary Herald, Talbot noted: “My status hasn’t really changed. I’m still hopeful we can work something out with Calgary before the 9th hits, but I know they have a lot of other guys to re-sign, too. As of right now, there’s been maybe one line of communication so far — just saying, ‘Hey, I want to be back,’ and that they want me back. But no formal offers or anything like that just yet. We’re hopeful for one within the next few days. They said that they’d get back to us. So hopefully there is going to be one coming. But as of now, there hasn’t been.” (from “Goalie Cam Talbot still hopeful for return with Flames, Wes Gilbertson, Calgary Herald, 02/10/20).
Related: Calgary Flames Prospect News: Valimaki, Zavgorodniy, Kirkland & Tuulola
There’s Good Reason the Flames Might Want to Sign Talbot
Talbot played quite well for the Flames. During the regular season, his record as 12-10-1 with a goals-against-average of 2.63 and .919 save percentage playing in 26 regular-season games. But it was the playoffs where he shone. There he had a goals-against-average of 2.42 and .924 save percentage in 10 starts.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Flames ended up re-signing Talbot; but, given the seeming glut of UFA goalies on the free-agent market, his contract might be considerably less than $2.75 million he earned this season. I’m thinking he might even sign for about a million less. Obviously, $1 million is a ton of money – either to lose or to gain; however, it’s better to have that money these days in US dollars rather than Canadian dollars.
One reason Talbot might not be looking to move is that he and his family quite love Calgary. About six weeks ago, Talbot noted, “I loved it there. My wife and family loved it there. It would have to be the right situation for myself and for them.”
What’s the Skinny?
Although Talbot is only 33 years old, it seems as if he’s been around a long time. He’s carved out a notch for himself as a mid-range goalie and he’s done pretty well. According to Cap Friendly, his career earnings are estimated to be nearing $20 million.
Related: Flames Checking In on Availability of Multiple NHL Goaltenders
He seems like an intelligent, level-headed guy and he’s probably invested wisely. If his family likes it someplace, he’s likely to stay – even for what they call a “home-town discount.” I look for him to stay with the Flames for the coming season.
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