Columbus Blue Jackets add veteran goalie amid growing concern in the crease

Word of the move broke Thursday from Pierre LeBrun, who reported the Blue Jackets will be signing the 39-year-old UFA goalie later in the day.

The signing comes just days after The Athletic's Aaron Portzline floated Talbot's name as a logical fit for Columbus in light of Elvis Merzlikins' shoulder surgery, which has sidelined the Blue Jackets' starter indefinitely.

Talbot spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings before hitting free agency this summer.

He never landed a new deal over the offseason, but Columbus now offers a landing spot that fits both sides.

With Merzlikins out and only Pheonix Copley behind rookie Jet Greaves on the depth chart, the Blue Jackets needed a steady, experienced presence they could trust in a pinch.

Portzline noted in his piece that Talbot and Greaves actually played together for Canada at the World Championship, which could help smooth his transition into the Columbus locker room.

Over his career, Talbot has suited up for seven different NHL clubs and has more than 480 regular season appearances to his name, giving the Blue Jackets a goalie who has seen just about everything the league can throw at him.

Financially, the deal is about as low risk as it gets.

At $950,000, Talbot slots in as insurance rather than a long term answer, which lines up with earlier reporting suggesting he'd likely have to settle for a modest, incentive laden contract in free agency.

For Columbus, it buys time and depth while Merzlikins works his way back, without tying up any real cap space.

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