from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,

On Dec. 27, the Calgary Flames will make the three-hour trek north for their first meeting with Talbot’s former club, the Edmonton Oilers — payors of his most significant contract and granters of his first real shot to stick as a starter in the National Hockey League.

"It’s kinda weird we don’t play till December," says Talbot, now finding himself aligned with the southern front of the Battle of Alberta. "It’s always been a heated rivalry, and I’ve been part of it for four years. It’s always an exciting time. I’m excited for the opportunity to switch sides."...

The last line of defence on a young club blessed with the most exhilarating forward in a lightyear, Talbot’s Oilers weren’t supposed to only qualify for the post-season once in his tenure.

He certainly wasn’t supposed to fumble hold of the starter’s gig to an unproven KHL import in his 30s, nor post a career-worst .892 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against average — the worst stat line of any NHL goaltender who played at least 30 games in 2018-19.

Nor was he supposed to be rented for spare parts to Philadelphia, where veteran goalies get recycled like every other Tuesday morning. Or watch his salary plummet from a career-high $4.2 million to less than $3 million.

"A perfect storm. Injuries to key players on the team. Some things went not so well for myself," says the Caledonia, Ont., native when we speak to him in Toronto. He’d much rather focus forward than pick apart the past.

"Once you start overthinking things, you’re not playing your game. You’re trying to do too much. I’ve taken some time this summer to step back and do what’s made me successful. Heading into training camp, I’ll be ready to play."

read on