CANADIAN Joey Talbot is anxiously awaiting re-signing news at Sheffield Steelers - and unselfishly thinks the first import to be brought back should be goalie Jody Lehman.
Steelers' leading goalscorer would be happy to return himself, but believes the key decision management should take first is re-enlisting Lehman.
"I have come to realise in this league that if you don't have a top goalie doing his job every night, you are going to struggle," he said.
"Whoever you are playing you are going to get 30 shots on your net and I haven't seen anybody better over here than him. Personally I would like to see him re-signed as quickly as possible, he was our best player. Signing the number one goalie should be the start of everything."
Talbot had an excellent debut season in the UK, and says he has "no yearnings" to go anywhere else other than Sheffield.
"It is a different game in north America, there is pressure in Sheffield, but there it's more of a grind."
Asked if any other clubs had shown interest in his services, Talbot said: "I don't know, I am a pretty quiet guy and I don't go out my way to talk to other clubs."
Talbot said playing first line hockey and on the power-play had been new to him.
"That was great and helped me score. When I was in Alaska, I was more of a gritty player, but in Sheffield I had the chance to play some finesse.
"I think the season has made me a better skilled player."
Talbot, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, scored 39 goals and 36 assists (75pts) in 68 games.
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