Insider Shares Unfortunate Announcement Relating to Beloved Ex-Leafs Goalie Jack Campbell
NHL insider Chris Johnston has dropped an unfortunate updates regarding former Toronto Maple Leaf goaltender Jack Campbell.
It's been a troubling road for Campbell since departing from Toronto as a free agent in 2022. Now, after having spent most of last season in the AHL, Campbell has entered the NHL/NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, according to Johnston's report.
Following a brief, yet troubling time in Edmonton, Campbell signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings this summer. He was expected to either challenge for a spot as the team's backup goalie or as a starter for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL this season.
It's been a long road for the 32-year-old. Originally drafted 11th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, expectations were always sky high for Campbell. He'd first see NHL action in the 2013-2014 season before being sent to the minors and bouncing around different pro leagues for several seasons.
Eventually, Campbell would find his way back into the NHL as a backup for the LA Kings. He put up some excellent numbers in the role. He was then traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season.
At the time, Campbell was living up to his potential, playing some excellent games as a backup goalie, and eventually as a starter, for Toronto. Seen as a class act of a teammate Campbell was wonderful with the media, and became a fan favourite immediately.
Rather than signing a modest deal and sticking with the team that he had really clicked with, Campbell turned that exposure and solid play into a big pay day, signing a 5-year, $25 million contract ($5 million AAV) with the Edmonton Oilers as a UFA ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Unfortunately, instead of his career reaching new heights like Zach Hyman's, it all fell apart. He was relegated to backup duties after expecting to be the team's starting goaltender during his first season as an Oiler. The following year, he played a handful of games before being sent down to the AHL and eventually was bought out in the summer.
The reasons for players entering the player assistance program are kept confidential. What we know is that the program helps players with drug, alcohol and gambling addiction, mental health, sleeping problems and other health issues.
Whatever the reason for entering the program, we hope Campell gets the help he needs and is back in a NHL jersey soon. Good luck, Soupy.
