MONTREAL, QC. — Maxime Talbot is no stranger to hockey fans in Quebec. After being drafted 234th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2002, Talbot captained the Hull (Gatineau) Olympiques to consecutive QMJHL championships in 2002-03 and 2003-04. In both playoff runs, Talbot was the leading scorer and was named MVP earning the Guy Lafleur Trophy.

The star of the ‘Q’ made his pro debut in 2004 when he was signed by the Penguins to play for their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  Talbot spent just one year making his mark with the Pittsburgh minor-league team before being called up to play for the Penguins at the start of the 2005-06 season.  Ironically, his first NHL goal came in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Six years and a Stanley Cup win later, Talbot signed a five-year deal with the interstate rival Flyers team where his gritty style of play and willingness to defend teammates quickly garnered him support from Philly fans.  Talbot seems to be hitting his stride with the Flyers, ending his first season in Philadelphia with career-high numbers in goals, assists, and overall points.

Despite playing for two Habs rivals, hockey fans in Quebec have retained their fondness for Talbot.

Recently Talbot was filmed doing a new workout routine called the Assassin.  Former NHL’er Philippe Boucher seems to have some doubts.

@Max25talbot Not a chance. One more thing to talk about tomorrow. Not buying it or things have really changed, maybe they did. #freak

— Philippe Boucher (@Boucher_43) September 18, 2012

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