Jack Campbell finds himself a new NHL home following buyout
Former Maple Leafs and Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell has surprisingly found a new home on the first day of free agency despite his struggles over the past 2 years.
It has been a topsy-turvy couple of years for Campbell, who at one point was at the top of his game while with the Toronto Maple Leafs just a few seasons ago.
After walking into unrestricted free agency and signing a mega-contract with the Edmonton Oilers, Campbell only managed to suit up for 41 games before being bought out shortly after the Stanley Cup Finals.
Looking to revitalize his NHL career, Campbell will be taking his talents to Detroit on a one-year deal worth just $775,000 - in essence, a prove-it deal.
It was a tale of two halves in 2021-22 as Campbell walked into the New Year with a 17-5-2 record, a .939 SV%, and a 1.80 G.A.A and generating Vezina Trophy vibes. He ended the season going 14-4-4 but his save percentage dropped to .888 and his G.A.A rose to 3.25. In 7 post-season contests his numbers didn't get any better as he finished with a 3.00 G.A.A. and a .897 SV%.
His luck didn't turn in Edmonton either as he posted a .888 SV% and a 3.41 G.A.A. in 36 games despite honing a 21-9-4 record. He played in just 5 games this year before being waived for the purpose of assigning him to the minors after a disastrous start saw him post a 4.50 G.A.A. and a .873 SV%. He rallied with the Bakersfield Condors and finished the year with a 18-13-1 record, a .918 SV%, and a 2.63 G.A.A.
Under contract for 3 more seasons at a 5 million dollar cap hit, the Oilers had no choice but to buy him out. It won't be easy with the Red Wings either as Campbell is expected to battle for a spot against Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, and recently acquired Cam Talbot.
The former 1st round pick from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft might have to start the season out in the minors barring injuries to the aforementioned trio of goaltenders.
Source for Jack Campbell's statistics: Hockey-ReferenceJack Campbell
HockeyDBJack Campbell
| POLL | ||
1 JUILLET | 796 ANSWERS Jack Campbell finds himself a new NHL home following buyout How many NHL games will Jack Campbell start in 2024-25? | ||
| 0 | 208 | 26.1 % |
| 5-10 | 294 | 36.9 % |
| 10-15 | 210 | 26.4 % |
| 20+ | 84 | 10.6 % |
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