The Columbus Blue Jackets signed free-agent goaltender Cam Talbot to a one-year, $950,000 contract, the team announced Monday.
The 39-year-old projects to serve as Columbus' backup goalie behind Jet Greaves to begin the season. Fellow netminder Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery in August and doesn't have a timeline for his return.
Talbot, a 13-year veteran, posted an .883 save percentage in 34 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He was much better in 2024-25, when he registered a .900 save percentage in 47 contests as Detroit's primary starter.
"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 in a statement. "He's a big, smart, fundamentally sound goaltender who has won a lot of games in our league. He's also a quality person, and we think he'll be a great addition to our group."
The Blue Jackets will be Talbot's ninth team. He owns a lifetime save percentage of .911.
