Nov. 18: Campbell cleared waivers Monday and is on his way to Grand Rapids, Friedman reports.
Nov. 17: The Detroit Red Wings have placed goaltender Jack Campbell on waivers per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Campbell signed a one-year, league-minimum deal with Detroit on July 1st but entered the NHL Player Assistance Program on October 4th. That’s been his designation ever since, though this waiver placement suggests he’s been activated and will soon return to the ice.
Campbell has been on a downward spiral since his stout service as Toronto’s starter in 2021-22. He recorded 31 wins and a .914 save percentage in 49 games that year – both higher than any Leafs starter not named Frederik Andersen since 2010. Campbell followed what seemed to be his breakout season by signing a rich deal with the Edmonton Oilers. But he’d quickly lose his grip, ultimately ceding the starting role to rookie Stuart Skinner after only posting 21 wins and a .888 save percentage in 36 games. Skinner managed a hardier 29 wins and .914 save percentage in 50 games, leading Edmonton to placing Campbell’s hefty $5MM cap hit on waivers. He passed through and proceeded to look much better with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors – posting an 18-13-1 record and .918 save percentage in 33 games. But that wasn’t enough to vindicate his price tag, and the Oilers chose to buy out the last three years of Campbell’s contract this summer.
A new deal in Detroit marked a chance for Campbell to rediscover his footing – though a chance at the NHL roster has always been a long shot. The Red Wings made a point of building out their net this summer, adding Cam Talbot on a two-year, $5MM contract to help challenge Alex Lyon and Ville Husso for the starting role. Talbot has more than earned it so far, posting a .927 save percentage through 10 games, while Lyon’s .903 is strong enough to hang onto the backup role.
Unfortunately, that’s left Husso and his .811 in two NHL games as the odd-man-out. He’s been buried in the minor leagues, though he’s recorded a much more encouraging .952 save percentage in four games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Husso is rotating with Carter Gylander as the backup to top Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa, who’s set a dazzling .937 save percentage in 11 games. Campbell will now step into that crowd, likely pushing Gylander back to the ECHL but not guaranteeing any minutes in front of Husso. It’ll be a battle of the middling goaltenders in Grand Rapids’ goaltending room, while the 21-year-old Cossa continues to pave a strong path forward.
I feel like Campbell could find steady work in Europe or in the K at this point. If I were in his shoes, I’d much rather do that than be in a logjam between the AHL and ECHL…
If he’s dealing with mental health issues, traveling around Russia probably isn’t the smartest move.
I don’t know if our cap space or roster limits allow it, but…if they do…I bet Dubas claims him.
Campbell’s best days were under him and Jarry might well be toast.
Penguins should claim him. Can’t be any worse.
Can we put Yzerplan on waivers??
You can place Lalonde on waivers. Darryl Sutter to the rescue!
Wonder If colorado takes chance. Everything you hear Teammates love Campbell. He is his own worst enemy. Hopefully he finally has found a way to deal his mental/Emotional issues. He is good backup number 2 .
Netminder speculation is interesting and all that. However, something else is wrong within the Wings. They appear to be somewhat lost on the ice, maybe “lost” is too strong of a word for it. Its like they are a team just assembled from a group of fairly talented players just prior to puck drop and they are not quite sure of who is where or doing what. Feels like too much dumping in, and dumping out, that just turns over puck possession. Maybe its just me, but it is odd to watch. Hope they get it together soon and stop this bouncing off the bottom of the NHL stuff. Needed points are leaking out pretty badly.
Odd to watch, how about Difficult to watch. I watch a lot of hockey and they are by far the worst 5 on 5 team in the league. Slow, horrible passing, awful outlet play, terrible shot selection. I can go on and on. Lalonde needs to go. Still need a #1 center
He is a better trade candidate in the AHL, as any team can have him “stored” in the AHL on a $775K fully buried contract.
Yzerplan in full affect. Being from Calgary…I have the outdoor game booked and 6 of us in full Gaudreau garb. Always been a Yzerman fan growing up, but not a fan of his GM prowess. This will be a game for the ages on my side. Go OH-IO!!
I’m expecting a great Gaudreau montage and weekend.