Former Pittsburgh Penguin Maxime Talbot ready to take Philadelphia Flyers to next level with rivalry
As the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) free agency was coming nearer and nearer, Maxime Talbot had an out of the blue feeling that his now former team, Pittsburgh Penguins, were not in the mood to re-sign him back on for another season at the least.
When the moment called for quick decision making, Talbot did what his gut told him to do and signed on with Pittsburgh rival team, Philadelphia Flyers on the first day of the free agency to a five-year, $8.75 million contract after receiving a phone call
from team general manager, Paul Holmgren.
Talbot realises that it would not be easy adjusting to a team which he once had so much rivalry with but is optimistic that it will eventually work out for the better.
"The first step for me this summer was to realize that I was not going to be back with the Pens", Talbot said. "That was obviously tough. It was a hard thing, because I had been there six good years. But when that was set aside, I wanted to make the best
decision for Max Talbot -- the best organization that gave me the chance to win, an organization that treats its players well and takes pride in winning and doing the right things".
The Lemoyne, Quebec, Canada native, was drafted as Pittsburgh’s 234th overall draft pick during round-eight of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and turned out to be a high flying performer. He played his first NHL game during the 2005-2006 regular season
after spending multiple seasons in the minor league including leading his team, Gatineau Olympiques, to a Memorial Cup in 2004.
The 27-year-old has played six seasons with Penguins up until now and has a total accumulated record of 388 games played along with a 108 point (52 goals, 56 assists) score. He remains a top class physical player with a huge 324 penalty point sum and can
easily allow Philadelphia to become a team which intimidates its opponents.
Next season will certainly be crucial for Maxime Talbot as he looks to reach new heights and adjust with Philadelphia.