Former Leafs Goaltender Jack Campbell Shockingly Placed on Waivers
Elliotte Friedman announced the Detroit Red Wings have surprisingly placed former Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell on waivers Sunday.
Campbell, who signed with the Red Wings this summer as a free agent, didn't play as he entered into the NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Oct. 4th and was out for an indeterminate amount of time.
It was a surprising move as Campbell was never given a shot with the Red Wings and could have been a solid option as a backup or emergency starter in case of injuries. Ville Husso, Cam Talbot, and Alex Lyon don't scream amazing goaltending and Campbell could have easily filled in for one of them upon his return.
Drafted 11th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2010, he was also selected in the KHL Draft that season as well. Never able to break through there, he was traded to Los Angeles where he started to show promise. After coming over to the Maple Leafs in 2021, he went 51-14-9 for the team as he broke out and he led them in their seven-game series against Tampa Bay in 2022.
After being signed away by the Oilers, Campbell struggled before losing his spot to current Oilers starter Stuart Skinner, bouncing between the AHL and NHL before being waived. The Oilers bought him out this season and he signed with Detroit shortly after.
For his career, Campbell has a 93-52-18 record with a 2.76 GAA and .909 SV% with 10 shutouts. He's 32 and may find himself struggling to find a spot however could find a team desperate for some solid goaltending like Nashville or Montreal, and it's unfortunate that he's been let go while dealing with personal issues.
Teams have until 2 PM on Monday to make a claim on Campbell if they so choose to.
