Eastern Conference team reportedly interested in trading for Jack Campbell's negotiating rights
Obviously, it goes without saying that the Leafs' first preference is to re-sign Jack Campbell to a contract extension that is fair for both sides. That said, if the Leafs are unable to reach a deal with Campbell, 30, they could look to deal his negotiating rights. According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the New Jersey Devils are keen on the idea of acquiring Campbell's rights if the Buds and their number one netminder cannot strike a deal.
The idea would be to move Mackenzie Blackwood, whose career has somehow careened off course during a couple of drama-filled seasons this fragile team does not need. It also does not need an older veteran coming off injuries to serve as the backup; e.g., Corey Crawford; Jonathan Bernier."
-Brooks on the Devils' reported interest in acquiring the rights of Jack Campbell
Campbell and his camp are reportedly asking for in excess of $5M per season on a 3 or 4 year term, which is obviously a little too rich for the Leafs' blood. Dubas and company reportedly offered a deal prior to the start of last season in the neighborhood of $2.75M per season over a similar term, but the contract offer was rejected and Campbell's camp revealed that they were not interested in negotiating a new deal in-season.
With Dubas talking about plans of acquiring young players this summer as a bit of a reclamation project, one has to wonder if the Leafs could look at some sort of a swap with the Devils centered around Campbell, a pick and a prospect in exchange for Blackwood, if the Devils are indeed looking to move him. In that case, I would not anticipate Blackwood coming in as the new starter in Toronto, but rather as a 1B or a backup to see if they can get his game back on track.
We have just 2 and a half weeks remaining until free agency opens up. We're sure to be hearing plenty of chatter between now and then. We could even see a deal go down at the draft if the Leafs or Devils are intent on involving any picks for this year's draft.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 725 ANSWERS Eastern Conference team reportedly interested in trading for Jack Campbell's negotiating rights Would you like to see MacKenzie Blackwood brought in by the Leafs as a reclamation project? | ||
| Yes | 245 | 33.8 % |
| No | 310 | 42.8 % |
| Now's not the time for experiments/projects | 170 | 23.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
