The Comeback Question: Will Jack Campbell Find a Way?

It’s mid-January 2026, and the NHL trade deadline is starting to loom large. While GMs are busy working to find that ideal depth piece for a deep playoff run or for added veteran presence within an organization’s pipeline, a name seems to pop up from time to time in various hockey circles: Jack Campbell.

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A Brave Move Off the Ice

One day after his 34th birthday, looking back on “Soupy’s” road, it’s fair to say it was anything but easy. After a rough exit from Edmonton and a reset effort within the Red Wings system, the former All-Star made his most important move in late 2024. As reported, Campbell entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to focus on his well-being.

Campbell is not listed on any stat line for the 2025-26 season. The last pro hockey he’s played, seemingly, was with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL in 2024-25. That season, he played 14 games and had a .893 save percentage.

Why Fans are Still Rooting for Him

Even with Campbell largely out of the spotlight lately, the support from fans hasn’t wavered. On social media, the sentiment is clear: people want to see him succeed. One fan on Reddit commented:

“I can’t think of a player I’ve willed on to be a success more than Jack. I hope he makes a stupendous comeback.”

It’s that kind of genuine connection—rooted in Campbell’s famously kind and honest personality—that makes so many of us hope for a redemption arc.

The Potential for a New Chapter

There’s no official word yet on if or when he’ll return to the ice, but the ideal ending to this story would be seeing him back in an NHL crease. For a team looking ahead to next season, for example, the appeal is there; a low-cost, veteran goalie who has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows. As noted, Campbell has seen these hurdles as “just another challenge.”

If he decides he’s ready, his return wouldn’t just be about filling a roster spot—it would be one of the most resilient stories in recent memory. Whether it happens this year or next, there are many hockey fans pulling for “Soupy” to find his way back.

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