It appears that Max Talbot could be at the end of his NHL career.
According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Boston Bruins have placed the 31-year-old forward on waivers for the purpose of assignment. Talbot was acquired at last year’s trade deadline from the Colorado Avalanche.
In 18 games, he tallied just three points for Boston.
Talbot entered camp this year fighting for a spot on the Bruins’ fourth line. He’s in the final year of a five-year contract that comes with an annual cap hit of $1.8 million, though half of that hit was retained by Colorado as part of the deal.
By placing him in Providence, the Bruins can save $950,000 in salary on the NHL roster.
Talbot is a 10-year veteran who spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 666 games played, the Lemoyne, Quebec native has 89 goals and 108 assists. In 84 playoff games, Talbot has 18 goals and 21 assists.
It’s unlikely that anyone makes a claim prior to Tuesday’s noon deadline, meaning that he will start the season in the AHL for the first time since 2006 when he was with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Bruins also placed goaltender Jeremy Smith on waivers after Jonas Gustavsson beat Smith in the battle for the team’s backup goaltender position behind Tuukka Rask. Smith will also start the season in Providence.
