Edmonton Oilers buy out Jack Campbell's massive contract after just two seasons

Campbell, who was placed on waivers and sent down to the American Hockey League with the Oilers affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, was in the second year of a five-year, $25M contract with Edmonton.

A former first round pick, Campbell bounced around as a backup before solidifying himself as a starter with the Toronto Maple Leafs, being named an all-star in 2022. Campbell signed with Edmonton that offseason.

Campbell struggled to cement a place in Edmonton early on, getting decent results with the boost in the win column or Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl, but struggling to find consistency in net, an issue that plagued his early years.

With Edmonton shockingly near the basement early this past season, the decision was made by the Oilers to place Campbell on waivers, which he cleared and was sent to the AHL. Days later, Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft was let go.

Edmonton suddenly began winning under new coach Kris Knoblauch and Starter Stuart Skinner, with Campbell in the minors. After a slow start with Bakersfield, Campbell found confidence late, finishing the year with an 18-13-1 record, with a 2.63GAA and .918SV% in 33 AHL appearances.

After Bakersfield were eliminated from the AHL playoffs, Campbell returned to Edmonton for the Oilers playoff run, which ended in a game 7 Stanley Cup finals loss to the Florida Panthers after storming back down 3-0. Campbell did not appear in any playoff games for the club.

In 41 career games with the Oilers, Campbell had a 22-13-4 record along with a 3.53GAA and a .886SV.

Edmonton now saves an additional $3M in cap space for next season with the Campbell buyout.