Cam Talbot Puts Off Retirement, Joins Former Red Wings Divisional Rival

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The Detroit Red Wings indicated that veteran goaltender Cam Talbot would not return for a third season when his contract expired, signing Daniil Tarasov to a one-year deal after he became available from the Florida Panthers.

And while the prevailing thought was that the 39-year-old Talbot would hang up the pads, he's not ready to do so yet.

According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, Talbot will be joining the Columbus Blue Jackets on a one-year contract. 

Hearing the Blue Jackets will be signing UFA veteran goalie Cam Talbot, 39, to a one-year deal ($950k) later today. Colleague @Aportzline speculated in his piece today that this might possibly happen.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 14, 2026

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Talbot, who was coming off a two-year contract with the Red Wings that he signed in 2024, went 12-9-6 with a 3.19 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage during the 2025-26 season.

Never drafted into the NHL, he signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers in 2010, and worked his way up through their system before eventually being called up to the Rangers in 2013. 

Since then, he's suited up for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings. 

Talbot has a career record of 278-204-53 with a 2.69 goals-against average, a .911 save percentage, and 33 shutouts. 

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