Contract comparables for Campbell
With the Toronto Maple Leafs eliminated from the playoffs, now the focus shifts to, what's next? Starting goalie Jack Campbell's contract is set to expire this off-season and one would have to think that the Leafs will try and get him re-signed. But that begs the question, what kind of contract will Jack Campbell sign?
Campbell had a great start to this past season, making an NHL all-star appearance, and was in the Vezina conversation early in the year. However, he struggled in the second half. Ultimately he regained his form and played solid for the Maple Leafs in the playoffs. Campbell played 49 games this regular season posting a save percentage of .914, well above the .907 league average. To widen that sample size, over the past two seasons Campbell has played 71 games with a .916 save percentage. However, his inability to stay healthy for a full season may lower his value.
One potential comparable Jack Campbell's agent may cite is Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins. Ullmark signed a 4 year deal worth $20 million last off-season (AAV of $5 million per year). At the time of the signing, Ullmark had played 117 career games. In his previous two seasons prior to signing this contract, Ullmark played 54 games with a .916 save percentage.
Another possible comparison to Jack Campbell is Petr Mrazek. It may be hard for Leaf fans to envision now, but Mrazek had been a respectable tandem goaltender in the National Hockey League for seven years prior to signing in Toronto. His big problem throughout his career has been an inability to stay healthy. The Leafs signed Mrazek last off-season to a 3 year deal, with an AAV of $3.8 million.
Jack Campbell has shown he can play at an elite level for limited periods of time. However he is frequently experiencing injuries, and does not have a long track record in the league. For that reason he is a risk, but should be a considered a quality tandem goalie. Someone who can play more than fifty percent of the games and take the reigns in the playoffs, but needs a safety net.
This likely puts Campbell in the $4 - $5 million dollar range, on a 3 to 5 year contract on the open market.
While this number may be hard for the Leafs to fit into the cap, given the lack of options on the free agent goaltender market, Campbell is likely the Leafs best bet. As for Campbell, he has become a fan favorite here in Toronto and seems to really like playing here. I feel both sides will make something work and we will once again hear the Scotiabank Arena chant "SOUP".
| POLL | ||
MAI 17 | 628 ANSWERS Contract comparables for Campbell Should the Leafs re-sign Campbell? | ||
| Yes | 453 | 72.1 % |
| No, find someone else | 49 | 7.8 % |
| Only if he comes in at less than market value | 126 | 20.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
