Kings Recently Signed David Rittich, Does This Mean The End of the Road for Talbot?
The Kings recently announced the signing of goaltender David Rittich to a one-year deal worth $1.0 million.
Presumably this would have him slotting in as the backup goalie next season, and with both Cam Talbot and Phoenix Copley on expiring deals, does this mean their time in the organization is done?
With Copley coming off a long-time injury, his time with the Kings with the Kings could be over. However, for Talbot, it will likely depend on who is available in free agency or via trade.
If the Kings can replace him and bring in a starting goalie, then it would enviably end his time with the Kings. Talbot could easily find a new team to play for next season; it is just unfortunate because he has expressed interest in returning to the Kings.
If the Kings do decide to go in a different direction than Talbot, the expectation would be that they will be uber-aggressive on the open market for a starter such as Ilya Samsonov.
Personally, I'd expect them to attempt a trade to bring in a bigger name like Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, or Juuse Saros to shake up the roster and culture of the organization.
Only time will tell what happens with Talbot's future in the organization, but the team will only have until June 30 at 11:59 to re-sign him. As of July 1 at 12:00, he will hit the open market and will likely be scooped up quickly, especially with the weak goalie market this offseason.