Cam Talbot Sets NHL Goaltending Record With Blue Jackets

Cam Talbot set an NHL goaltending record on Friday when the Columbus Blue Jackets started him against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making him the first goalie to appear for nine different franchises during his 14-year career.

Talbot, 39, reached the milestone after joining Columbus and becoming the ninth NHL team he has represented, according to Sportsnet. He previously played for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings.

Sportsnet reported that Talbot entered the record books with a 278-204-53 career record, a .911 save percentage and 33 shutouts. His strongest individual season came in 2016-17, when he finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting after winning 42 games in 73 starts for Edmonton.

The Blue Jackets brought Talbot into action after he did not play in the team's first two regular-season games. RotoWire reported that he was the first goalie off during Friday's morning skate, indicating he would receive the home start.

RotoWire reported that Talbot recorded a 12-9-6 record, a 3.19 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage in 34 appearances with Detroit last season. The Columbus start marked his regular-season debut with the Blue Jackets.

Before Talbot's achievement, seven goalies had appeared for eight NHL franchises: Sean Burke, Chad Johnson, Alex Auld, James Reimer, Ron Tugnutt, Curtis McElhinney and Gary Smith, according to Sportsnet.

James Reimer remains active and could match Talbot's nine-team mark if he signs with another franchise this season, Sportsnet reported. The overall NHL record for most teams played for by a skater is 12, held by Mike Sillinger.