I've seen Talbot play all last year and this year. This guy always giving his 100% all the time. Its very seldom he does not play well. He has this drive and intensity that stands out. He will never stop playing intense even if the game is in their pocket. During the season, he played 51 games (8 games less than Crosby) and has 25 goals, 73 assists and +33. In the series, he has played 10 games and he has 6 goals and 13 assists and +12. He is now the leader in points in the LHJMQ.
If he would have had these stats going into the draft in 2002 he would have definitely come out earlier than the 8th round. It happens often that a player is drafted late and comes out to be a better player than an earlier pick. Pittsburgh saw potential in Talbot and now I'm sure other teams must be second guessing some of their choices back in 2002.
Anyway, I'm sure he will be signing soon, probably right after the Memorial Cup, but with the strike coming up, I'm not sure if he will be playing in the American Hockey League or stay another year in Juniors because he still has another year since he will be 21 only in February 2005. Time will tell.