The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to negotiate a deal with goaltender Jack Campbell, and rumours are flying that he may go elsewhere if general manager Kyle Dubas does not act soon. If the Leafs don’t sign him, that will leave a massive hole at the goaltending position, with only Petr Mrazek and rookie Erik Kallgren in net, who both had average at best numbers. Campbell didn’t have the most outstanding season either, as he started very hot but quickly got very cold after Christmas. Still, he rebounded in the playoffs, giving the Leafs at least a chance against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
His numbers overall were not terrible, considering in 49 games he was 31-9-6 with a .914 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.64 goals-against average (GAA). His inconsistency over the season was concerning, and he couldn’t steal a game or two in the playoffs to help secure a Leafs’ series victory. On July 13 Campbell will be a free agent (FA), and teams will inquire to see if he is the right fit for their team. The Leafs have yet to act, and it seems like they are okay with him becoming an FA. Here is a look at potential teams that could sign Campbell.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a postion where they are still quite good with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but they are starting the downward spiral that most top teams make as their stars get older. With Malkin and Kris Letang set to become unrestricted free agents (UFA), the Penguins will have to decide if they want to re-sign them. When it comes to goaltending, the Penguins have Tristen Jarry signed for another season, but Casey DeSmith and Luis Domingue are UFAs this summer, leaving space for Campbell to come in if Pittsburgh still feels they are in the running for long playoff pushes.
This would also be an excellent opportunity for Campbell to escape the pressure of a high-profile city, relax, and concentrate on the game, not the outside noise. The pressure to win now could be less, as Pittsburgh needs to figure out if it wants to keep trying to win or start to rebuild for the future. It will be up to Campbell to evaluate which way the Penguins are going and to determine if he wants to be with a team in a transitionary period.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers reached the Western Conference Final with mediocre goaltending. Mike Smith, still signed for…
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