Has Cam Talbot Proven he is a Starting Goaltender Yet?
Mar 10, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) makes a save against the New York Islanders during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Ever since Henrik Lundqvist suffered a neck injury that occurred about a month and a half ago, Cam Talbot was called upon to carry the full workload. Despite posting a 13-3-3 record, Talbot did get off to a rough start by surrendering at least 3 goals or more in his first 9 starts since taking over. Cam Talbot however has been remarkable in his last 8 games by only giving up 1 goal or less in regulation. When Talbot was struggling in his first 9 games, the goal scoring of the New York Rangers came up huge and bailed Talbot out.
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Henrik Lundqvist also does not appear to be too far away from returning to game shape, as he has just been medically cleared to resume full team practices. With that being said, Talbot will likely receive a few more starts this year, even when Henrik Lundqvist returns. As Ranger fans already know of Talbot, he is definitely a reliable backup for the past two seasons as a blueshirt, but his days as a backup could be coming to an end, especially if he continues his dominance. I mean who would have thought when Lundqvist went down the Rangers would have been competing for the Presidents Trophy? Talbot deserves a substantial amount of credit on how well he has performed in Lundqvist’s absence.
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A few months ago Talbot signed a 1 year extension that has an AAV of around 1.4 million, as he would have been set to hit free agency in the summer of 2015. There still is a possibility of the Rangers trading him in the summer, because that is when his trade value will be the absolute highest. But what could the Rangers get in return for Talbot? Talbot just might be the best backup goaltender in the NHL right now, and just might be able to sell on some teams that he can handle the full workload as a starter. The highest i can see the Rangers getting in return for Talbot is a first round pick, and Rangers fans already know how little Glen Sather, the Rangers gm values first round picks. Anything less than a high end prospect or a 1st or a 2nd round draft choice is a waste.
The Rangers can definitely part ways with Talbot after this season as they have a pretty decent goaltending prospect in Brandon Halverson, who was selected 59th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Also they have Mackenzie Skapski, who has yet to prove that he can be an NHL backup. Skapski has 2 career NHL starts (Both against the Buffalo Sabres) with only allowing 1 goal, 1 shutout, and almost 120 straight minutes without allowing a goal. The Rangers can also sign a veteran backup goaltender if needed, so they can afford take a chance on trading Talbot without much risk. Cam Talbot may have proven he is a starter, but by no means should there be any goaltending competition between Lundqvist and Talbot, especially with the playoffs looming.
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