One of many largest questions dealing with the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to go with out a solution as we strategy the 2022 Higher Deck NHL Draft. What’s going on with Jack Campbell‘s standing with the staff?

Campbell is a pending UFA who’s getting into his one and maybe solely probability to money in large in free company. In an ideal world, the Maple Leafs would like to re-sign him and Campbell would like to return. But when the going price for these sort of goalies runs you $5 million per season, can the Maple Leafs afford to maintain him?

That’s the choice Kyle Dubas and employees will in the end must make. Whereas it’s actually not the top of the street but for Campbell and the Maple Leafs, time is slowly beginning to run out on a potential resolution.

Campbell’s agent Kurt Overhardt lately instructed the Athletic: “We’ve had a few conversations. I believe it’s been reported that we haven’t exchanged numbers or something like that. However we proceed to have dialogue.” (From Newest on Jack Campbell-Maple Leafs negotiations and extra: What we’re listening to, Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 6/15/2022)

There could also be good dialogue, however there seems to be no actual updates on negotiations in any other case. This implies dealing with the potential of Campbell transferring on in free company. With slightly below $8 million in cap house and solely 17 gamers signed, {dollars} are tight. Until they’re in a position to do one thing with Petr Mrazek, the Campbell period is probably going over.

If it involves that time, the place will Campbell find yourself? That’s what our focus will probably be on right here. He’ll need to go someplace that has each cap house and number-one alternative from the beginning. He’s completed the whole lot potential to set himself up for his probability to money in. His efficiency in opposition to the Lightning within the first spherical actually caught the eye of potential suitors.

In wanting on the present state of groups, three groups stand out as essentially the most logical locations for Campbell ought to he depart the Maple Leafs. Who’re they?

Buffalo Sabres

How juicy would this storyline be? For those who can’t beat them, be part of them, proper? The Sabres have loved current regular-season success in opposition to the Maple Leafs. Maybe Campbell desires to get in on the successful aspect for as soon as.

All kidding apart, the Sabres have vital questions of their crease. They’ve a necessity for a veteran man to play alongside up and coming goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The query right here is two-fold. Would Campbell be prepared to affix on this scenario? After which would the Sabres be prepared to dish out the time period Campbell is probably going on the lookout for?

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The Sabres have loads of cap house so paying out {dollars} isn’t a difficulty. They simply acquired the contract of Ben Bishop in an effort to assist them get to the cap ground. However with Luukkonen probably able to change into a primary in a few years, the time period would appear to be the maintain up for the Sabres. Can they provide Campbell larger {dollars} whereas maintaining the time period low?

If this occurs, Campbell would go from beloved to mortal enemy briefly order. These can be enjoyable video games to look at.

New Jersey Devils

GM Tom Fitzgerald didn’t maintain again in his end-of-season press convention. The New Jersey Devils clearly perceive the goaltending needs to be higher.

Mackenzie Blackwood was in a position to play on the finish of the season however remains to be younger and has lots of room for growth. Jonathan Bernier has another season left at $4.125 million. Nevertheless there’s actual concern about his standing after present process hip surgical procedure in the course of the 2021-22 season.

“I’m nervous,” coach Lindy Ruff stated. “We’re all involved about long run (well being) and the place that is going to go, the place we’ll find yourself going ahead, so I’m nervous and really involved.”

Ought to it get to some extent Bernier is unable to come back again, the Devils might want to handle their goaltending scenario in free company. Fitzgerald stated he owes this to everybody within the group together with the followers. That is the place Campbell might slot in.

Just like the Sabres, the Devils will not be in opposition to the cap and might simply afford Campbell. That may really give them a formidable goalie tandem with each he and Blackwood with the ability to shoulder a load in the event that they’re successful or somebody is injured.

The Devils have good items in place. However they want saves. Bringing Campbell on would assist solidify their largest want whereas giving a veteran presence round Blackwood in addition. Once more this comes all the way down to Bernier’s standing. However it makes lots of sense for a staff that’s trying to lastly take the following step.

Chicago Blackhawks

Right here’s one other scenario that has the chance accessible. The Blackhawks’ struggles are nicely documented. As we sit right here at present, we don’t know who their starter for opening night time will probably be in October.

Each Colin Delia and Kevin Lankinen are pending UFA’s. Marc-Andre Fleury was in fact traded to the Minnesota Wild. The one different goalies below contract in the intervening time are Arvid Soderblom, Jaxson Stauber and Cale Morris. So the necessity for a netminder is urgent.

Regardless of having $20 million in cap house accessible, they’ve a number of key items in want of latest offers. Kirby Dach, Dominik Kubalik, Philipp Kurashev, Dylan Strome and Caleb Jones all want new contracts. In addition they have to determine their protection out. And is Alex DeBrincat even coming again?

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So this will probably be fascinating to see how the whole lot unfolds. Does Campbell need to actually money in or will scenario play a task? He can be the unquestioned starter on the Blackhawks. However he’d additionally be part of a staff many assume are within the operating for Connor Bedard. Would he need to endure that given all of the staff’s issues? Payday and alternative or probability to win the Cup? That’s the final word query.

Campbell regardless holds the playing cards. He’s earned the precise to check the market. As among the finest free-agent goalies accessible ought to it get that far, he’d don’t have any scarcity of suitors. Don’t rule out a return to Toronto simply but. But when he can’t get one thing completed with the Maple Leafs, don’t be stunned to see him put on a jersey of one of many three above groups subsequent season and past.