According to Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, the Leafs could entertain the idea of chasing the No. 1 upcoming unrestricted free agent: Los Angeles Kings‘ Cam Talbot.
“One I’ve been wondering more and more about for the Leafs is Cam Talbot. Now, would a Woll-Talbot twosome feel like an awesome outcome for the Leafs? Not exactly,” Siegel wrote on June 20. “However, unlike Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Lankinen, Alex Nedeljkovic, or Scott Wedgewood, Talbot has been a longtime starter in the NHL.
Talbot is a seasoned veteran and both Siegel and Erickson consider him a reliable option who can handle at least half of the games played through the regular season.
Talbot could provide some stability to the Leafs net if Woll struggles or gets injured during the 2024-25 season.
Siegel also mentioned Talbot’s history with Brad Treliving, who signed him to a one-year deal with the Calgary Flames in 2019. Despite his age, Talbot’s familiarity with Treliving’s systems and his past performance make him a valuable candidate for the Leafs.
Winter wouldn’t discuss the status of any contract talks with the Leafs, who own his bargaining rights until June 30. Giordano is among 10 pending unrestricted free agents general manager Brad Treliving must deal with, along with four restricted free agents.
The business of the NHL is heating up as the Stanley Cup playoffs continue, with the draft and free agency around the corner, and the Leafs are no exception.
While Treliving has remained quiet on his plans, a source told the Star the Leafs have “moved on” from goalie Ilya Samsonov, who is looking for a long-term deal. The Leafs need a tandem partner for Joseph Woll and missed out on a trade opportunity forgot veteran goalie Jacob Markström, who ended up in New Jersey in a trade with the Calgary Flames.
Goalies Matt Murray and Martin Jones are among the Leafs expected to test free agency on July 1, while forwards Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi continue to hold out hope for long-term deals with the Leafs. Domi said so himself at a recent diabetes fundraiser. Meanwhile, Bertuzzi’s agent, Todd Reynolds, confirmed talks are ongoing.
