The goalie was 12-9-6 with a 3.19 goals-against average, an .883 save percentage and no shutouts in 34 games (25 starts) for the Detroit Red Wings last season.
“Adding depth in net has been a priority for us so we are very excited to add Cam Talbot to our club,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “He is a big, smart, fundamentally sound goaltender who has won a lot of games in our league. He is also a quality person, and we think he’ll be a great addition to our group.”
The 39-year-old, who was undrafted, is 278-204-53 in 567 regular-season games (533 starts) with a 2.69 GAA, an 883 save percentage and 33 shutouts for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings. He is 16-18 with a 2.75 GAA, .915 save percentage and six shutouts in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games (34 starts).
The addition of Talbot gives Columbus another veteran goalie entering training camp this week with Elvis Merzlikins out indefinitely after having shoulder surgery Aug. 17. Jet Greaves, who won the No. 1 job last season, and Pheonix Copley are the other goalies on the Blue Jackets roster with NHL experience.
