The Sabres may no longer be in the running on the Cam Talbot sweepstakes after nabbing Robin Lehner from the Senators early Friday, but that hasn't impacted the fervor surrounding the soon-to-be ex-New York Rangers netminder.
According to recent reports, Talbot is certain to be dealt, it's simply a matter of GM Glen Sather parsing all the offers and deciding which is best.
Unfortunately for Sather, said to be seeking a first-round draft pick, that simply may not be possible.
"NYR still mulling over Talbot offers. He will be traded. NYR will also have to sign or acquire a backup as Skapski won't be ready," TSN NHL Insider Darren Dreger tweeted early Friday.
"NYR are meeting now. Flames are pushing hard for Talbot. Oilers, Stars and Sharks still in mix. Two 2nds plus get it done?" Dreger added.
It's interesting that the Flames and GM Brad Treliving are pushing hard for Talbot now - their interest to this point had been characterized as something like lukewarm, but it now seems they have their hearts set on adding the young goaltender.
The question, of course, is what compensation it will take to get the deal done. It seems it likely won't be a first-round pick, though Sather hasn't given up on that hope.
"NYR have offer(s) of two second-round picks for Cam Talbot. Waiting to see if they can increase that yield. CGY, EDM, DAL amongst suitors," TSN's Bob McKenzie reported.
Considering the Senators were able to get a pick in the latter portion of the first-round in exchange for Lehner, it seems possible Sather could whip up that same level of compensation if he waits things out. Then again, the Sabres also had to take on David Legwand's $3 million contract in order to complete the deal, not to mention Lehner is four years younger than Talbot.
Interestingly, McKenzie added shortly thereafter that both Edmonton and Calgary may move onto Los Angeles Kings backup Martin Jones if things fall through with Talbot.
Still, it seems we've finally reached that point where it's only a matter of time before Talbot ends up elsewhere - should be interesting viewing leading up to the 2015 NHL Draft tonight.
