It’s no secret that the Edmonton Oilers are having a hard time finding a good number-one goalie.
Although Stuart Skinner seems to have a bright future, it’s a little too early to say.
Edmonton had hoped to remedy this problem in the summer of 2022.
During the free agent period, the Oilers signed veteran goaltender Jack Campbell for 5 years at a salary of $5 million.
Campbell had enjoyed good times with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which seemed to justify the $25 million contract.
Unfortunately for Edmonton, the goalkeeper has instead been a nuisance with atrocious statistics since last season.
This season, it’s even worse.
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In 5 games, the American allowed an average of 4.50 goals per game, in addition to posting a 0.873 efficiency rate.
These performances earned him a trip to the waivers, only to end up in the AHL after the other 31 NHL teams ignored him.
Campbell thought he had played well, however, and is surprised to have been demoted to the AHL.
Campbell ‘pretty surprised’ by AHL demotion: ‘I felt like I was playing well’ https://t.co/Yu8ViTdBk8
– theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) November 11, 2023
“Obviously, it’s a results league, but I felt like I was playing well, I had confidence. But the numbers weren’t good enough.” – Jack Campbell
When you allow an average of 4.50 goals per game, you can’t really think you’re performing well.
Of course, it’s normal to have empty passes; it happens to all the best players and goalkeepers.
But let’s not forget that the other 31 teams passed on this goalie when they could claim him “for free” with his $5 million-a-year salary.
Of course, his contract weighed heavily in the balance when he was on the waivers.
The fact remains that he simply wasn’t performing well enough to stay in the NHL.
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And let’s just say he’s not helping himself much, now that he’s in the minors.
Oh no Jack….oh dear god…
Nils Åman’s second of the night is ….how you say….one of those one’s a goalie will want back! #Canucks pic.twitter.com/vkRBu9cNk6
– Cody Severtson (@CodySevertson) November 10, 2023
It’s not by giving away a weak goal like that that he’s likely to get called back to the NHL…
The Oilers aren’t off to the desired start this season, with a poor 2-9-1 record, and they even lost to the San Jose Sharks (2-11-1).
There had to be a change, and there was a lot of trouble in front of the net, so Campbell was demoted to the AHL.
This will give more starts to Stuart Skinner, who could become the team’s future number-one goaltender.
To get there, he’ll have to play a lot.
In brief
– At the 23rd minute of the episode, Cole Caufield appears on Ray Ferraro and Darren Dreger’s podcast. Listen now.
Pod Stream: Canadiens’ Cole Caufield in conversation / Headlines https://t.co/1lm1jqEe5L
– The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) November 10, 2023
– Patrick Kane is expected to make his decision within the next two weeks.
Patrick Kane is getting closer to making a decision.@TheFourthPeriod provides an update on 8⃣8⃣.@keithirizarry | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/L32mhwiazm
– NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) November 11, 2023
– Will there be a tribute video from the former Montreal Canadien tomorrow?
Thatcher Demko starts tonight in Toronto, per Canucks coach Rick Tocchet
Casey DeSmith starts on Sunday in Montreal @TSN_Edge
– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 11, 2023
– Read more.
Maple Leafs, Canucks interested in Nikita Zadorov trade, Trevor Linden drops spicy Elias Pettersson draft tale, Steven Stamkos thrives despite uncertain future, William Nylander rides the people’s chariot + eight more NHL goodies form @lukefoxjukebox ⤵️ https://t.co/Yr0MJmdrUI
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 11, 2023
– Very nice move.
Leylah Fernandez with the forehand down the line! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/QbA3j9nRdS
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 11, 2023