NHL free agency 2019: Calgary Flames expected to sign Cam Talbot
According to Andy Strickland, the Calgary Flames are reportedly going to add goaltender Cam Talbot in NHL free agency.
One of the top priorities for the Calgary Flames in NHL free agency is finding a backup goalie. It would behoove them to find a relatively cheap one. According to Andy Strickland, the Flames have found their guy. They are expected to sign former New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Cam Talbot to a one-year deal.
Strickland is reporting it will be a one-year deal, though the financial terms have not been finalized yet. The deal hasn’t been finalized either, but it sounds like it’s going to happen unless someone backs out. Pierre LeBrun was the first to note the interest between the two sides.
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Talbot would be a nice fit for the Flames. He’s likely not going to cost too much, especially not after his last two seasons.
That said, Talbot is two years removed from being one of the best goalies in the NHL. If the Flames are going with a tandem featuring David Rittich and Talbot, they could do far worse.
At 31 years old, he has been declining over the past two seasons, which is a concern. But if this is a cheap deal (and it likely will be), it could work out well for the Flames. Let’s take a look at his recent save percentages.
- 2016-17: .919
- 2017-18: .908
- 2018-19: .892
The Flames could have made a run at Curtis McElhinney, but other than him, they probably weren’t going to find a better, cheaper option. Talbot will be joining the other side of the Battle of Alberta after facing the Flames for parts of four seasons with the Oilers.
He will likely serve as a backup option to Rittich, who should be getting most of the starts. The Flames still have to work something out with him, as he’s a restricted free agent. Expect Talbot to get around 30 or so starts.
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The Flames could follow the Hurricanes model of going with the hot hand. It’s risky, but it could be an inexpensive way to get decent goaltending. With the Flames salary cap situation, they don’t have many other options.