Former Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell knew when he signed with the Detroit Red Wings that he wasn’t destined for immediate NHL action, but still it was a difficult start to the season. On Oct. 4, Campbell entered the NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program, taking him out of action before his season truly began. Last night, Campbell made his season debut, manning the net for the Grand Rapids Griffins in last night’s game at Van Andel Arena against the visiting Chicago Wolves.
Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images
Chicago won the game 3–1, with Austin Watson tallying the lone Griffins goal, but Campbell delivered a sound performance—29 saves on 32 shots. For a goaltender who hadn’t played meaningful hockey since last spring’s Calder Cup Playoffs, that’s an awfully sound performance.
As for Campbell’s role in the Red Wings organization, he is likely to now assume the part he was signed to play over the summer: As Sebastian Cossa’s back-up for the Griffins and a potential break-glass-in-case-of-emergency insurance option at the NHL level.
It’s perhaps noteworthy that Campbell’s reemergence comes in the midst of a borderline health crisis amongst Detroit’s organizational goaltending depth, with the two top options on the depth chart both presently on the shelf in Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot. That reality brought Ville Husso and Cossa up to the NHL, helping to open the door for Campbell’s return to action.
Between Husso and Cossa, it’s unlikely we see Campbell at the NHL level any time soon, but it’s nonetheless encouraging to see Campbell back in the net and sound after his stint in the PA’s Player Assistance Program.
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