Cam Talbot set a new NHL record on Friday by starting in net for the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the goaltender to play for the most different franchises in league history. It was a notable milestone for a veteran whose career has now spanned nine NHL teams.
The start added a fresh marker to a 14-year NHL journey that began with the New York Rangers in 2013-14 and has taken Talbot through the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings before his latest stop with Columbus Blue Jackets.
A record built across a long career
Talbot's path through the league has been defined by both longevity and movement. Friday's appearance moved him clear of the previous goaltending mark of eight different franchises, with the record now sitting on nine NHL teams.
For context, the skater record remains 12 teams, held by Mike Sillinger. Talbot is now the standard-setter among goaltenders, with only James Reimer still active and able to match the total this season.
The numbers behind Talbot's career
Alongside the record, Talbot's career numbers underline how much hockey he has played at the top level. He owns a 278-204-53 record, a.911 career save percentage and 33 shutouts. His best individual season came in 2016-17, when he started 73 games for the Oilers, won 42 of them and finished fourth in voting for the Vezina Trophy.
That resume helps explain why Talbot has remained in demand across the league. The Friday milestone does not change the shape of his career so much as it adds a new line to it, one that now stands alone in NHL goaltending history.
