Blackhawks: Trading For Cam Talbot

The Blackhawks' goaltending tandem is nowhere near strong going into the 2022-23 season with Petr Mrazek as the starter and Alex Stalock battling Arvid Soderblom for the backup slot. The likelihood of the team acquiring a goalie this season is unlikely, but as the season concludes I can see them making a move or two to start building a foundation for the future, and that could start in goal. 

Cam Talbot is a veteran goaltender. At the age of 35, he has spent time with the Oilers, Rangers, Flyers, Flames and Wild. There was some drama during his time in Minnesota as Fleury took over as the full-time starting goaltender and Talbot still wanted starting minutes which he just wasn’t going to get, so they made the decision to trade him to Ottawa. 

I can’t see Ottawa being much different for Talbot. Anton Forsberg will be battling for the starting slot and it’ll be a battle every single night. If Talbot wants full starter minutes, I think the Blackhawks could be enticing for him. He doesn’t seem to be cup chasing, but instead just wants to play. The Blackhawks could make a move for him as a more trustworthy option in the blue paint, while being a strong presence in the dressing room. 

In 49 games last season, Talbot had a 2.77GAA with a .911SV%. He finished with a 32-12-4 record and was easily one of the more underappreciated performers in the league. Through almost 400 games, Talbot has a .915SV% and a 2.63GAA. He is one player I’d love to pick up, and I don’t think it would cost much. Maybe a 3rd round pick or an AHL player, and if it’s as cheap as I think it will be, bringing him in is a no brainer for the Hawks.