The Ottawa Senators will not re-sign pending unrestricted free agent goalie Cam Talbot, general manager Pierre Dorion told reporters Monday, via Bruce Garrioch.
Ottawa acquired Talbot in an off-season trade with the Minnesota Wild, parting with breakout star Filip Gustavsson in return. Talbot played in 36 games during a tough, injury-plagued season in Ottawa, posting a 17-14-2 record with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. With his play dipping and his age climbing, the team has opted not to keep him on board for another season.
Dorion said that contract negotiations with Talbot were never close, telling reporters the team was only prepared to offer a one-year extension, Garrioch adds. Talbot had requested a two-year contract, which Dorion didn’t offer.
With Talbot out of the picture, the Senators will be looking to add a new goaltender to their roster to supplement a hopefully healthy Anton Forsberg and the promising Mads Sogaard. Dorion also said Ottawa will likely explore a goaltender trade in the offseason.
Ottawa’s team save percentage of .895 last season was 20th in the league, a number hurt by injuries to both Forsberg and Talbot. To make a playoff appearance next season, goaltending consistency will need to be an area of improvement.
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