Chalk this up as one of the more unexpected storylines of 2024-25, but Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot is performing at an elite level to begin the season. In fact, he has played his way into the running of representing Team Canada at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.
NHL players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden will play in the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston from February 12 to 20. The final rosters will be announced on December 4th.
Team Canada, once a juggernaut in goal, has fallen off since the days of Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, Curtis Joseph, Ed Belfour, Carey Price, and Roberto Luongo in years past. Now, Canada will need to pick three netminders from a somewhat watered-down group that includes Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, Logan Thompson, Jake Allen, Stuart Skinner, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Cam Talbot.
When you look at those options, you'd be right to feel underwhelmed. There are a lot of question marks in that group when it comes to consistency. Binnington, the likely starter knowing Team Canada's general manager is Doug Armstrong of the Blues, is a shell of what he once was, still effective but certainly not the same goaltender that finished as the Calder Trophy runner-up in 2018-19.
Cam Talbot has played well enough to earn a role on Team Canada
Detroit Red Wings starting goaltender Cam Talbot has played well enough to earn a role on Team Canada and even push for the starting role.
Talbot has been the model of consistency over the course of his career. Although many expected his play to significantly drop off after going from a top-half defensive team in Los Angeles from last season to a team that struggles on the defensive side of things like Detroit, that hasn't been the case. Detroit owns the league's worst penalty kill, but Talbot gives the Red Wings a chance to win every game he starts. The 37-year-old has posted an elite 2.67 goals against average and a 0.916 save percentage this season, going 6-5-2.
In comparison, Binnington is 7-9-2 with a 2.87 goals against average and 0.899 save percentage. Hill is 10-4-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average and a 0.894 save percentage. The others in consideration: Fleury, 40, is 5-0-1 in a backup role, with Minnesota posting a 2.64 goals against average and 0.905 save percentage in six games. Skinner is 8-6-2 with a 3.09 goals against average and a 0.887 save percentage. Thompson is off to a great start in Washington, posting a 10-1-1 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and 0.911 save percentage.
Examining the numbers, you could make the case that Talbot or Thompson should be the starter for Team Canada, although neither would be the 'sexy' pick, yet likely the most consistent. Team Canada mentioned that they will not number their three goaltenders upon being named to the team, and all three will duel it out in an 'open competition' for the starters' role.
The Detroit Red Wings recently celebrated Cam Talbot's 500th game
On Friday, the Detroit Red Wings players showed up to the rink with hilarious T-shirts with Cam Talbot's face on the front to celebrate his 500th career game.
Today, the tour continues for Cam Talbot, who is celebrating his 500th game. 🎸#LGRW | @ThinkFordFirst pic.twitter.com/JFKxO9VKeg
— FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (@FanDuelSN_DET) November 29, 2024
"It’s a great milestone for Cam and what he has meant to our team," captain Dylan Larkin said Saturday. "It was a fun thing. He always makes sure he has his hair done and looking good, so it was a fitting shirt for him."
Talbot has been one of the lone bright spots for the Red Wings in a really overcast season overall this year. The Red Wings signed the veteran netminder to a two-year deal that averages just $2.5 million annually to upgrade the position from last season. Talbot will likely be tasked to mentor top prospect Sebastian Cossa next season as he breaks into the league. And I must say, there might be no greater veteran for the job.
"I just always try to come to the rink with a good attitude, good work ethic, and try to do whatever I can every day to try get better, and that’s what I’ve been doing my whole career,' Talbot said. "Never let anything deter me from going out there and doing everything I possibly can. Being undrafted and taking the route I took makes it that much more special. I just humbly appreciate every day."