Could Talbot end up being a sneaky good addition for the Blue Jackets?
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a move on Monday, signing goalie Cam Talbot to a one-year, $950,000 contract.
Seeing the Blue Jackets bring in Talbot is understandable. Elvis Merzlikins is currently sidelined indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery last month, so it makes sense that Columbus has added Talbot for more goalie depth.
Talbot will now be looking to earn the Blue Jackets' backup job out of training camp. Fellow Blue Jackets off-season addition Pheonix Copley will be Talbot's biggest competition for the role. Copley has made just two NHL appearances in the last two years, though, so it makes sense that the Blue Jackets have added Talbot as another option.
The Blue Jackets' decision to take a chance on Talbot has the potential to end up being a smart one, too.
Although Talbot had a bad season in 2025-26 season with the Detroit Red Wings (.883 save percentage and 3.19 goals-against average in 34 games), there is reason to believe that he could bounce back in Columbus.
Talbot had a .901 save percentage just back in 2024-25 with the Detroit Red Wings. Furthermore, during the season before with the Los Angeles Kings, he had a 27-20-6 record, a .913 save percentage, a 2.50 goals-against average in 52 games, and was an All-Star. This was not very long ago, so it is fair to wonder if he could turn things around and end up being a good backup for the Blue Jackets.
Furthermore, Talbot will also provide young goalie Jet Greaves with a good veteran mentor. Talbot is entering his 14th NHL season and has 567 games of experience, so having him around for Greaves is not a bad thing in the slightest.
