“I didn’t really want to be moved,” Talbot told reporters on Thursday. “It played out in the media that maybe I had some ill will toward the organization or something like that. It wasn’t like that at all.” – Cam Talbot (via Star Tribune)

Talbot’s Agent Publicly Blows Up

Technically, he might be right. But, what else was the Minnesota Wild general manager supposed to think? Here he is, trying to lead his 3rd-ever draft, while Cam Talbot’s agent (George Bazos) is chewing his ass in a hallway at Bell Arena? Within sight range of major NHL reporters.

Moments after Bazos gave Billy a hallway tongue-lashing, Talbot’s agent channeled Cam’s frustration through media, telling Pierre LeBrun (TSN) that Guerin “has a lot to think about”. Billy, of course, spouted back later that night. By then, everyone had a pretty good handle on how Cam Talbot was feeling.

But nobody is more irritated with Talbot “talking out of both sides of his mouth” and “acting so innocent” through this situation than Michael Russo, the all-powerful and longtime Minnesota Wild beat reporter, now with The Athletic.

Russo Goes Off on Talbot

Russo went absolutely nuclear on Cam Talbot during Friday’s “Worst Seats in the House” podcast, which he hosts with Wild play-by-play commentator, Anthony LaPanta (Bally Sports North). Michael’s epic rant starts at the 19:00 mark and lasts about one minute. I’ve transcribed it in parts below.

“Cam Talbot, yesterday again, talking out of both sides of his mouth, acting so innocent here, it’s insane. He, on his conference call yesterday, said this is just something that played out and was overblown in the media. And that [media made it out to seem like] he had some sort of ill-will toward the organization, when it wasn’t like that at all. He will not explain what he means by that. Umm, excuse me, we watched your agent yelling at Bill Guerin!” – Michael Russo (Worst Seats in the House Podcast)

Michael Russo is just revving up, in the quote above. His somewhat formal complaints are about to unravel into a complete tear-him-down tirade of Cam Talbot. The rest is transcribed throughout this blog. But if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend you back up and actually listen before continuing. I do my best to set his quotes up but there is no re-creating the shrill in Russo’s voice, as his anger cracks the microphone.

Talbot Fooling Nobody

Remember, this isn’t the only time someone else has voiced displeasure on Cam Talbot’s behalf. During the Wild’s 2022 playoff run, Talbot’s wife took to social media and let the world know that she (and likely her husband) were frustrated.

If Cam Talbot should take aim at anyone, it’s those within his own circle. Blaming the media, in this situation, isn’t fooling anyone. For Russo, he feels the Talbot family is firing shots in his direction and that’s clearly something he’s not willing to tolerate.

I can’t blame him. What happened between Bazos and Guerin, at the draft, wasn’t a journalistic mirage. The fact Cam ended up traded proved that media reports, specifically Russo’s, were right. So, is Cam requesting that reporters not do their jobs? Sure seems like it.

By this point of Russo’s rant, he is yelling into the microphone. LaPanta seems a bit taken aback.

“Bill Guerin couldn’t have made it clearer that you were not happy with the 50/50 split. This is not something that blew up in the media! Your wife tweeted after the season and that’s why this all happened. I don’t understand what Cam is trying to do here. And when [Talbot] said this, he’s obviously talking about me. I did not overblow that stuff at the end of the year. Clearly it was an issue in the Talbot household. He basically admitted he wasn’t happy with it. Then when I’m watching, an hour after the Fleury announcement, his agent is hot with Bill Guerin! I didn’t invent this stuff! This isn’t a figment of my imagination!” – Russo

Just admit you’re mad, Cam.

Nobody blames Cam Talbot for his frustrations. Michael Russo, included. Cam was brought in two offseasons ago to be the Minnesota Wild’s No. 1 goalie. Outside of some normal in-season swoons, he was even better than advertised.

Talbot was expecting a postseason split with Fleury. Why not? He went 13-0-2 in net to end the 2022 season. But he was shelved, instead. So, frustration is warranted. But be a man about it and admit your irritation. Don’t force your wife and agent to fight your battles for you, while you claim innocence.

“Bill Guerin wanted a Fleury/Talbot 50/50 split and traded him for a reason! This is not a media invention! I mean, it’s amazing. I love Cam, but enough with this BS! Just say you weren’t happy with the 50/50 split. Say you weren’t happy with the way they treated you down the stretch. But don’t blame this on the media.” – Russo

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

But “Billy” Guerin has a public message of his own, to deliver through reporters: He doesn’t HAVE to give a shit. Not when it comes to Talbot.

Guerin: “I don’t have shit to do. Cam Talbot’s under contract. George can say whatever the hell he wants. My team’s set right now, and that’s the way it goes. We can have all the discussions we want. Cam’s a member of our team. We really like Cam. All we’re trying to do is win” https://t.co/F1CNuUH8je

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 8, 2022

Guerin vs Bazos

And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have an old fashioned GM vs Agent beef that’s getting solved through public media circles. The type of offseason content that fan and reporter dreams are made of.

All of this appears to signal a divorce incoming between Cam Talbot and the Minnesota Wild. But Michael Russo (The Athletic) claims Talbot and his agent are jockeying for a contract extension so he doesn’t feel like he’s being phased out.

A lot of people are interpreting Bazos' quote solely as Talbot wants to be traded (Talbot indicated otherwise after the season). I'm getting the impression from team sources that Talbot wants a raise by way of an extension. He makes $3 million this year vs. Fleury's $3.5 million https://t.co/zK6XdLyKZz

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 8, 2022

Only time will tell. But by the looks of it, all options regarding Cam Talbot’s future are still on the table. Bill Guerin says he doesn’t have to do anything with Cam Talbot, given he has another year on his current contract. He’s technically right, but Talbot could refuse to play without a new deal, which would force Guerin to make a decision on whether to trade him or give him the extension he supposedly desires.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

General manager, Bill Guerin, claims that’s the way he wants to keep it. And honestly, an easy argument can be made for rostering two high-quality, veteran goalies who both have a plethora of past playoff experience. But, everyone has to buy into a shared net concept.

Thursday – NFL Draft (Day 1)

And there’s evidence out there that Cam Talbot, who has one season left on his contract ($3.67M), may not be on board for another 82-game + postseason timeshare with his future HOF teammate, Marc-Andre Fleury.

Guerin made clear he’s of the opinion and conducting himself like Talbot is going to be “fine,” but Talbot, Guerin and his agents plan to talk tomorrow. So this may come to a head https://t.co/45Tb6e4F0k

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 8, 2022

Talbot, the Wild’s clear-cut No. 1 until Fleury was acquired for a second-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in March, is a consummate pro and has a great relationship with Fleury, but he also made it clear he wasn’t happy that he played second fiddle to Fleury in the playoffs after going 13-0-3 in his final 16 regular-season games. What’s more, one of Talbot’s agents, George Bazos, could be seen voicing his dismay to Guerin in a Bell Centre corridor during Thursday night’s first round, not long after Fleury’s two-year, $7 million contract was announced. – Michael Russo (The Athletic)

Friday – NFL Draft (Day 2)

Fast forward

Cam Talbot may have a problem with saying “no” to authority figures. Maybe, he has a complex about letting people down? Following the Wild’s playoff exit, Talbot told media he was a little “pissed off” by their decision to ride MAF. But now, he’s telling Bill Guerin and Minnesota Wild beat reporters he’s “OK” or “fine” sharing the net next year. Smells fishy.

Meanwhile, everybody close to Cam is upset. His agent is chewing Bill Guerin out in a hallway at Bell Centre Arena, in-between draft picks on Thursday. Then on Friday, he confronted Guerin AGAIN at the draft. Afterward, he let it be known to Pierre LeBrun (TSN) that “Billy has a lot to think about”.

Cam Talbot's agent George Bazos met with Wild GM Bill Guerin during the third round here.
“We both stated our positions,'' Bazos said via text message. “Billy has a lot to think about.''
????

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 8, 2022

Don’t forget about what Talbot’s wife, Kelly, posted to Twitter during the playoffs. She felt compelled to let let the world know how “ride or die” she was. That she was excited for “wherever the next adventure takes us”.

Let’s be honest, the Minnesota Wild could use some of the $3.67 million they’re set to pay Cam Talbot. If he wants out, and they can find a trade partner willing to take his full salary, both sides might be better off with a divorce.

Stay tuned…

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

After answering questions about their playoff loss to St. Louis and the disappointment that followed, the conversation turned to the team’s future. Are the Wild trying to bring back both Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot? Yes. Jake Middleton, Matt Dumba? Yes.

And what about Kevin Fiala? Well… Bill Guerin conveyed more uncertainty when asked about the star winger.

-Guerin said he will try to re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and that doesn't affect Cam Talbot. "There's no controversy. There's no drama," Guerin said. "We like both goalies. We like both people. We want them both back, and we think we can be successful with both of them."

— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) May 17, 2022

Guerin said there’s “uncertainty” with Kevin Fiala. “We’d love to have Kevin back. I don’t know if it’s going to be possible. I’m uncertain. I am. We can do anything, but at what cost?”

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 17, 2022

Different Players, Different Answers

We know about the salary cap squeeze the Minnesota Wild are forced to work around over the next three seasons, given the ridiculous price they had to pay to buy out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter’s contracts. Because of that, roster decisions this offseason were always going to be difficult.

But Bill Guerin answered the direct question, regarding Fiala’s future, much differently than he answered questions about Fleury, Talbot, Middleton or Dumba; all of which aren’t guaranteed to return (for the same reasons as Fiala). And there’s no upside in Guerin underselling the Wild’s determination to sign Fiala.

Overselling would make more sense. Trying to convince other teams that you are fighting to re-sign Fiala could, in theory, raise his potential asking price. But what we saw from Guerin today is derived from honesty. He’s just admitting what we already know.

Letting Kevin Fiala walk is the easiest and most logical route to cap compliance for the 2022-23 Minnesota Wild. This is just Bill Guerin admitting what is likely inevitable, just like Fiala did himself on Monday.

Fiala: “We will just have to see what happens.”

He’s well aware this could be his last day with the #mnwild. The cap is the cap pic.twitter.com/MN6LE9D51E

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 16, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

That 2nd-round pick will become a 1st-round pick if the Wild advance to the 3rd round of the 2022 NHL Playoffs and Fleury is the winning goalie in four or more games, in each of the first two rounds. Earlier in the morning, it was reported that the deal would get across the finish line as long as Fleury agreed to waive his no-trade clause.

Second-rounder will be a first if the #mnwild win two rounds and Fleury wins at least 4 games in those rounds https://t.co/se6uNfjK0d

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 21, 2022

Shaky Fleury Looks to Find Game With Wild

The Blackhawks had been asking for a 1st-round pick, in return for Fleury. That may have changed on Sunday night, after Chicago inexplicably started MAF in net against the Jets. He and the Hawks melted down in the 2nd period and he gave up 5 total goals on the game.

MAF has struggled all season long, posting a 2.95 GAA with a save percentage of just .908. He ranks in the back-half of the league in just about every goalie metric that hockey people care about. In fact, this wasn’t a deal I was up for just a few weeks ago.

But the Chicago Blackhawks are terrible this season and Guerin, who won The Cup with Fleury in Pittsburgh, hopes Fleury will get his old playoff swagger back with a good Minnesota Wild team playing in front of him. MAF will partner with Cam Talbot on this playoff run. This, after Kaapo Kahkonen was dealt to the San Jose Sharks in a separate deadline deal that has landed the Wild another depth piece for their lineup in defensman, Jacob Middleton.

#sharks get Kaapo Kahkonen for hard-nosed defenseman Jacob Middleton and a pick. 9 points, +3, 69 penalty minutes in 45 games.

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 21, 2022

McBain Rights Traded for 2nd Round Pick

Jack McBain was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 3rd round of the 2018 NHL Draft. But now that he’s ready to become a pro, he isn’t interested in signing here. After the Boston College star center scored 33 points (19 goals) in 24 games in his final collegiate season, McBain’s agent informed Wild GM Bill Guerin that he wouldn’t be signing with the team that drafted him three seasons ago. So on Monday morning, he was traded to Arizona Coyotes for a 2nd round pick in the upcoming 2022 draft.

???? TRADE ????

We have acquired a 2022 second-round draft selection from the Arizona Coyotes. #mnwild pic.twitter.com/1BoXbODlI9

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 21, 2022

According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the Wild were willing to sign Jack McBain and get him on the NHL ice immediately. Depending on how he adjusted to the National Hockey League, Guerin was hoping he could help with their playoff run. Unfortunately, that didn’t entice McBain. He sees Minnesota as already set up the middle both now, with Ryan Hartman and Joel Eriksson Ek, and into the future, with Marco Rossi.

Of course, that’s ludicrous. The Minnesota Wild’s biggest weak spot for years has been at the center position and it remains a hole today. But if Jack McBain is that intimidated by mediocre NHL roster competition, his professional career isn’t worth investing in anyway.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

It's time for the #mnwild to ride Kaapo Kahkonen. pic.twitter.com/taNotaZhM1

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) February 23, 2022

Whether you prefer more established goalie metrics or the advanced type, Kaapo Kahkonen is currently a better NHL goaltender than Cam Talbot. But the questions don’t have to end inside the Wild locker room. The NHL trade deadline is three weeks away and their are plenty of intriguing goalies who are up for auction, including playoff legend, Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Trade Route

Others mentioned as gettable by NHL.com are Braden Holtby (Dallas Stars), Thomas Greiss (Detroit Red Wings), Joonas Korpisalo (Columbus Blue Jackets), Pavel Francouz (Avalanche) and Martin Jones (Flyers). If the Minnesota Wild feel they need to upgrade at goalie, they have a plethora of options but the only dude who would turn heads has the initials of MAF and he’s the former teammate of Billy Guerin.

But would Marc-Andre Fleury really be an upgrade over who the Wild already have on roster? The answer around hockey circles seems to be a resounding “yes”. In fact, Dan Rosen (NHL.com) believes he’d be an upgrade for just about any team, even the Colorado Avalanche, whose current goaltender, Darcy Kuemper, has been absolutely dominant of late and for most of the season.

Darcy Kuemper‘s strong play of late might convince the Avalanche that he’s capable of carrying them on a Stanley Cup run. He was 16-0-2 with a 2.06 GAA, .933 save percentage and three shutouts in 20 games since Dec. 2. 

Fleury might be the only goalie available who would be considered an upgrade from Kuemper.

The Wild are in a similar spot, and unless they land Fleury to play ahead of Cam Talbot. it seems unlikely they would make a move for a goalie, but they’re worth watching.

MAF Juice Worth the Trade Squeeze?

What would the Wild have to give up to land MAF? Probably, Kaapo Kahkonen plus more. Would Fleury’s juice be worth the squeeze at that point?

No. While it’s true that Cam Talbot is playing poorly, it’s also true that Marc-Andre Fleury has been worse. Playing for a bad Chicago Blackhawks team, MAF is 44th this season in goals saved above expected (-9.1), according to MoneyPuck.com. That’s far below both Talbot (28th: -1.2) and Kahkonen (17th: 5.7). Fleury’s .912 save percentage trails Kahkonen’s .921 and sits right next to Talbot’s .910.

Kaapo Kahkonen is playing some of the best hockey of his young career. Trading him now could be a genius move, given his stock is higher than ever before. It could also be a huge mistake, should Kaapo go on to have a successful career (especially in Chicago) and Marc-Andre Fleury isn’t able to help lift the 2022 Wild to a deep playoff run.

#mnwild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen is now 8-1-1 in his last 10 starts with a 2.47 GAA and a .930 SV% since Jan. 6. Since entering the NHL in 2019-20, he ranks first amongst NHL rookies in wins (31) and has surpassed Pekka Rinne for most wins by a Finnish-born rookie goaltender.

— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) February 21, 2022

This is about the playoffs.

I can hear you yelling at me through your phone screen. ‘THIS ISN’T ABOUT THE REGULAR SEASON!‘ Yeah, I get that… but Marc-Andre Fleury isn’t the playoff goalie he’s been made out to be. Yes, he’s played in the 3rd-most playoff games of any goalie in NHL history (163). But his career .912 postseason save percentage doesn’t even rank in the top-50 in league history.

Fleury’s been more consistent in the postseason of late, posting a .921 save percentage in 47 playoff games with the Vegas Golden Knights (4 seasons). But you know who’s been better? Cam Talbot, whose career save percentage in 32 playoff games is .923, good for 15th-best in NHL history.

Kaapo now, Talbot later

Yes, the Minnesota Wild need to make a change at goalie. But the change is already sitting on their bench. With 34 games remaining, it’s time to give Kaapo Kahkonen the starting job. Let him run with the torch until it burns out. And if/when he starts struggling, then history tells us Cam Talbot would be one of the best possible playoff replacements they could turn to.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

General Manager Bill Guerin (Blockbuster Billy) and the Minnesota Wild have found their new goalie. Cam Talbot is signing a 3-year, $11 million contract ($3.67M cap hit per year). Michael Russo broke the details of the deal on Twitter.

Cam Talbot, 3 years, $11 million to #mnwild

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 9, 2020

Talbot History

How good is Talbot at the ripe age of 33? Well, he was pretty good last season (2.63 GAA, .919 Save %) with the Calgary Flames and he’s been Vezina Trophy candidate good during his career, finishing 4th in voting for 2016-17.

It was his one season in Edmonton that have made some people doubt the ability of Cam Talbot. In that dreadful 2018-2019 season, Talbot posted a 3.69 GAA and just a .893 save %. Gross.

The Wild are hoping to see the better side of Cam Talbot for the next three seasons. Here are some advanced graphs that show what to expect.

Cam Talbot (3×3.67m with Minnesota) has been a little better than average this past season after a really rough season the year before. pic.twitter.com/uI3xxQNhfZ

— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) October 9, 2020

Cam Talbot, signed by MIN, bounced back quite a bit this year after a really difficult final season in Edmonton. #mnwild pic.twitter.com/mf7lvxE3Kz

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 9, 2020

Good Enough to Have a LOT of Interest

Up until today, nobody knew if Talbot would even be available. He and the Flames were trying to come to a new agreement, even as late as last night. Just hours later, he’s a member of the Minnesota Wild.

That tells you how much the Wild wanted to get Talbot in between their pipes. This is a good signing because the Wild couldn’t afford an upper-echelon guy. They now have someone who should be much better than what they had last season, with Dubnyk and Stalock, but won’t cost top-dollar

Now that free agency has started, we’ll see if Blockbuster Billy Guerin has anymore tricks up his sleeve (without much money available).

Lastly, I really need Cam Talbot to start a goalie redemption fight this season. He needs to make up for what happened last year, when he met Oilers goalie, Mike Smith, at center ice. This is what an ass-kicking looks like.

Mike Smith vs. Cam Talbot goalie fight ?? pic.twitter.com/23VjsYxeiv

— Gino Hard (@Ginohard_) February 2, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan