In what feels like one of the worst-kept secrets in free agency, goaltender Jack Campbell has landed where most insiders believed he would, with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal is worth a reported $5 million per season for five seasons. It gives the Oilers what they hope is their starter for the long haul and gives Campbell what he was looking for and didn’t get from the Toronto Maple Leafs, a no-doubt commitment.
Insiders had Campbell destined for the Oilers and Kevin Weekes reported late Tuesday night that a deal was close — technically the Oilers and Campbell couldn’t legally discuss terms. He was among the more sought-after goalies in free agency, especially as the need for goalies outweighed the actual number of starters available. The news also fell mere minutes after Evander Kane announced he had signed a four-year extension with the Oilers. GM Ken Holland took care of two major pieces of business early, to the delight of Oilers fans worried they might not land a netminder and could lose a key top-six forward.
Related: Evander Kane Re-Signs With the Oilers, A Four-Year Extension
There is some concern about the size and length of the deal considering Campbell’s history of inconsistency. His numbers have been solid dating back to the 2016-17 season, he’s seen a good chunk of NHL games and he was a solid AHL netminder. All that said, he had a 20-game stretch in Los Angeles during the 2019-20 season where he had a .900 save percentage. When he joined the Maple Leafs, he was often touted as their savior until he ran into some struggles staying healthy.
But, the Oilers seem to believe that the tandem of Campbell and Stuart Skinner — who is likely to see at least 25 to 35 games this coming season — is good enough to win. They’re banking on their pro scouting being right on this bet.
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