Key Takeaways:
* Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially sign leading unrestricted free agent, Cam Talbot.
* The 36-year-old goaltender has the experience and skill the Maple Leafs may need.
* Cam Talbot has previously expressed a desire to prioritise winning and would favour a multi-year contract.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing a new goaltender. Among their options is the well-experienced Los Angeles Kings’ Cam Talbot, widely viewed as the number one upcoming unrestricted free agent.
A New Leaf for Toronto?
Toronto is said to be considering adding a new goaltender to their lineup, whether that’s a proven starter or a supporting player to Joseph Woll. This piece of information is according to Jonas Siegel, a writer for The Athletic.
Siegel suggests the Leafs may look to Cam Talbot. Although a partnership between Talbot and Woll might not seem ideal, Talbot does have more experience as a starter compared to other players. For instance, Talbot has been a longtime starter in the NHL, unlike other players such as Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Lankinen, Alex Nedeljkovic, or Scott Wedgewood. As recent as the previous season, Talbot was a starter, saving 15 goals in 54 games played for the Kings.
The Cam Talbot Factor
At 36, Talbot is a seasoned player. Having recently completed a one-year deal worth $1 million, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Hockey analysts, such as Josh Erickson of Pro Hockey Rumors, predict Talbot will be the top option available considering his impressive 2023-24 performance.
Talbot shines as a consistent performer, capable of managing at least half of the regular season’s games. His expertise could bring stability to the Leafs, especially if Woll encounters challenges during the 2024-25 season.
Moreover, Talbot is no stranger to Leafs’ Brad Treliving. They have a history together from when Treliving signed Talbot to a one-year deal with the Calgary Flames in 2019. Despite his age, this familiarity coupled with Talbot’s prior performance paints him as an appealing prospect for Toronto.
Talbot’s Track Record and Future Prospects
In the 2019 Flames season under Treliving, Talbot maintained a .919 save percentage over the regular season with a 12-10-1 record. During his ten playoff games, he managed a .924 percentage. He also just completed a one-year stint with the Los Angeles Kings, where he notched an impressive .913 save percentage and 27 wins in 54 games.
Siegel believes a one-year deal akin to Talbot’s previous contract with the Kings may be the smartest move for Toronto. This would equip the team with an experienced goalie without getting tied down in a overly pricey long-term contract.
Despite his desire to continue with the Kings, during his exit interview on May 3rd, Talbot expressed his key priority: winning. With this goal in mind, he did not rule out the possibility of signing elsewhere. This sentiment, combined with his preference for a multi-year contract, leaves room for Toronto to potentially sign Talbot.
As the Maple Leafs seek to strengthen their goalie lineup, it might be a smart play to consider bringing Cam Talbot into the mix, thanks to his valuable experience and proven consistency in delivering game-changing performances. He’s also no stranger to the pressure and expectations of being the number one goalie, making him a strong candidate for the Maple Leafs.