Welcome back to NHL Rumours. Each day, we break down the latest taking place in the NHL. As the NHL Trade Deadline creeps closer, this is tons of daily content. So be sure to check back here every day for more! Today’s NHL rumours focus on an Ottawa Senators goaltender gaining some trade interest around the league.
Ottawa Senators Goaltender May be on Move
Rumour: David Pagnotta of TheFourthPeriod reports that Ottawa Senators goaltender Cam Talbot is someone who may be on the move come the trade deadline this season. Talbot, 35, is currently hurt, but it isn’t something to be considered serious. Pagnotta names the LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Vegas Golden Knights as teams who may have an interest.
Talbot, Motte among Sens who could move https://t.co/FWGrUF6SxH
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) January 29, 2023
Analysis
Talbot was only just acquired by the Sens this offseason in a deal that saw Filip Gustavsson go the other way. That is a deal some in Ottawa are already regretting as Gustavsson is having an amazing year and is over a decade younger than Talbot. Regardless, the big reason he is on the block is the team’s future. Currently, they have Anton Forsberg locked in for the next two seasons. Talbot was brought in to form a tandem duo and at times, has helped with that. However, injuries and inconsistency have also likely made the team think they can look elsewhere to assist Forsberg.
Because of this, recapturing an asset for the expiring UFA makes all the sense in the world. Ottawa is not in a position to make a playoff run, as much as they may wish to be. So getting something for a player you are likely to lose for nothing this offseason seems like a no-brainer.
The market for Talbot, who has shown he can still be a good tandem piece in this league, will be interesting to watch develop. He won’t be demanding a high pick by any means. However, a mid-round pick? That seems likely.
Suitors Interested
Talbot has a cap hit of just over $3.5 million and is done this season. If Ottawa is willing to retain any money, almost every team would be able to take Talbot in. The names Pagnotta mentioned all make sense. The Penguins have had injury troubles with starter Tristan Jarry. Given this could be their best final chance to win with their current core, they may want more experience than Casey DeSmith in net. Especially given injuries in goal are what lost them a first-round series last season.
The Golden Knights have had Logan Thompson emerge as a starter this year but again, would love some security just in case. And the Kings have no one that is a true starter right now. Phoenix Copley has played solid since getting called up, but is that really who you want to put your playoff hopes in?
Overall, given the Sens place in the standings, it makes sense they will be looking to move Talbot. Any playoff team that has the room would be well off to add someone like him as depth just in case as well.
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