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Toronto Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell’s form starting to raise questions

By Paul Taylor

Jan 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) reacts after allowing a goal to New York Rangers center Ryan Strome (16) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) reacts after allowing a goal to New York Rangers center Ryan Strome (16) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Jan 1, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) takes pucks during the warmup against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Conclusion

All factors considered, the majority of the evidence seems to indicate a temporary blip for Campbell, rather than a long-term issue. He is a talented and athletic goaltender, who is showing for the most part why he was selected 11th overall in the 2010 draft.

At the same time, it stands to reason that the former Los Angeles King will be watched with greater interest in the coming games. If his productivity doesn’t improve soon — fair or not — the doubts and concern will only grow.

It is worth noting that if nothing else, Campbell has still managed to go 4-1-1 during his slump in productivity during January. Of course, said productivity would benefit greatly if his teammates improved their defensive efforts; in recent outings they have seemed to take their foot off the pedal after building 3-1 leads.

In this respect, it would help the 2014 Calder Cup champion if the Leafs could find a way to reinforce their blue line ahead of the March 21 trade deadline. Recent speculation has linked them to the likes of Jakob Chychrun and John Klingberg.

Such potential trades will be influenced by what the Leafs are prepared to offer, along with how tight their salary cap situation is. However, they may not get a better opportunity to genuinely challenge for the Stanley Cup with this particular roster, especially when considering the number of UFAs and RFAs they will have at the conclusion of this season.

Overall, Campbell still looks like the type of goaltender who the Leafs can ride as they challenge for glory. However, he needs more help from those around him, or his recent lack of productivity could potentially become ongoing, mostly through no fault of his own.

light. Trending. Leafs need to be in the mix for John Klingberg

Pending how much blame you place on the players in front of Campbell, what is your take on his recent play? Do you see this as just a temporary blip for the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie, or something more long-term to be concerned about? Let us know in the comments section below.

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