Report: Rangers likely to trade Cam Talbot

New York Rangers backup goaltender Cam Talbot's strong play in the absence of starter Henrik Lundqvist apparently didn't go unnoticed by NHL clubs in need of an upgrade at the position.

As the upcoming NHL Entry Draft draws near, Talbot is a prime candidate to be traded, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports:

The safest bet going into the June 26-27 draft weekend is the Blueshirts will indeed trade Cam Talbot. Several well-placed sources report there is a 'significant' amount of interest in the soon-to-be 28-year-old goaltender, with inquiries not confined to clubs seeking a No. 1 (goalie), but from some as well looking for a backup.

The Rangers are seeking to maximize the return in draft picks for the netminder, who was the team’s most valuable player the second half of the season during Henrik Lundqvist’s extended absence.

Talbot went 21-9-4 with a 2.21 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in 36 games in relief of Lundqvist, who missed much of February and March with a vascular injury.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reported earlier this month that the Edmonton Oilers have shown interest in several goaltenders, including Talbot.

The backup carried a cap hit of less than $600,000 in 2014-15, a figure that will rise to $1.45 million next season. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2016-17.