NHL Insider Provides Update on Jack Campbell Negotiations with Leafs
As the Leafs begin the revamp of their goaltending department, which started with the release of long-time goaltending coach Steve Briere, they are also opening dialogue with their number 1 goalie Jack Campbell. It has been no secret that Campbell loves playing in Toronto and that the Leafs love him and, the emphatic "SOUUUP" chants (even on the road) prove that the fans love him, but given the fact that this will likely be his only chance to cash in on a big, long-term deal to secure his future financially, he may not be back in the blue and white next season.
According to previous reports, Campbell is looking for an average of $5M per season on a 4-5 year term. Both of those terms are too rich for the Leafs and Kyle Dubas right now. Given that Campbell has a limited amount of time as a number 1 and the concerns over his injury issues, the Leafs may have to explore the trade or free agent routes to find a new number 1 goalie.
Pierre LeBrun noted in his article for The Athletic yesterday that the Leafs and Campbell's agent Kurt Overhardt have had preliminary discussions about a new contract for Campbell, but there have been no actual salary numbers exchanged as of yet.
The good news is that the lines of communication are open. The bad news, with just 3 and a half weeks until free agency opens up, the two sides are losing runway by the day. If I was in Dubas' position, as much as I want to bring Campbell back, anything longer than 3 years and $4.25M per season is very risky for the Leafs. Simply due to Campbell's short track record as a starter and his long track record of injuries. Hopefully the Leafs and Campbell's management team can come to terms on deal that works for both parties, but if not, the Leafs could very well begin next season with 2 new goalies on their roster.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 18 | 474 ANSWERS NHL Insider Provides Update on Jack Campbell Negotiations with Leafs When Jack Campbell finally does sign a deal this summer, will it be a long-term deal or a short-term deal? | ||
| Long-term, 8 years (Leafs or rights traded) | 24 | 5.1 % |
| Long-term, 6-7 years | 37 | 7.8 % |
| Mid-term, 4-5 years | 170 | 35.9 % |
| Short-term, 1-3 years | 243 | 51.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
