Talbot Becomes First Goalie to Win With Nine NHL Teams in Blue Jackets Debut
Cam Talbot earned a win in his Columbus debut, making 20 saves and denying all three Pittsburgh shootout attempts. He became the first NHL goaltender to record victories with nine different franchises. Talbot also became the oldest goalie to win a game for the Blue Jackets.
Cam Talbot, 39, joined Columbus on a one-year, $950,000 contract Sept. 14 following two seasons with Detroit. In his Blue Jackets debut, he made 20 saves and turned aside all three Pittsburgh shootout attempts. The victory was his first for Columbus and his ninth different NHL club, a league record for a goaltender.
Sean Burke, Ron Tugnutt and Curtis McElhinney are the only other netminders to win for at least eight franchises; McElhinney spent four seasons with Columbus. Talbot also surpassed Fredrik Norrena (2008) as the oldest goalie to win for the Blue Jackets. Coach Rick Bowness cited Talbot's veteran presence and training camp performance.
Talbot's milestone may resonate with older athletes and journeyman players, showing longevity and adaptability can extend careers across multiple organizations. Blue Jackets fans could gain short-term optimism from a debut win, while the record may prompt broader discussion about goaltender movement and roster turnover in professional hockey. It may also add a small feel-good storyline for a league seeking compelling narratives early in the season.