Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
By Paul Taylor
Jack Campbell is apparently leaning towards testing free agency next month, meaning the Leafs’ chances of retaining the goaltender appear to be headed in the wrong direction.
The Leafs have plenty of questions to answer during the offseason, with arguably the biggest being if they can re-sign Jack Campbell? It’s anyone’s guess if the goaltender will return to Toronto next season.
However, the most recent updates are anything but encouraging for the Leafs and their fans. As Sportsnet‘s Elliotte Friedman wrote in his latest 32 Thoughts column, the last he’d heard was there hadn’t been any contract talks for months.
Friedman went on to note the two sides were far apart at the time and no longer relevant. Not helping the situation, Campbell’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, confirmed there had been no contract conversations since the Leafs’ season ended.
There is little reason to doubt the Leafs would like to bring Campbell back. However, one of the main obstacles to this is their tight salary cap situation for the 2022-23 campaign.
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As per CapFriendly.com, at the time of posting the Leafs only have $7,844,384 in projected cap space available for next season. Further, this accounts for just 17 players on the roster.
There might be some argument the Leafs can justify not meeting Campbell’s contract demands, considering how his form dropped significantly in the second half of the regular season. Further, his play during the playoffs was worse compared to last season’s:
2020-21: GGA – 1.81 / SV% – .934
2021-22: GGA – 3.15 / SV% – .897
* 7 games both years
However, even this potential argument is compromised by TSN’s Chris Johnston, who believes Campbell will test unrestricted free agency next month. In truth, it makes a lot of sense for the goalie to test free agency for the first time.
Consider that at 30-years-old, this may be the best chance for him to get a significant payrise on the $1.8 million he made this past season. He will be one of the top goaltenders available and it stands to reason he can demand around $5 million per year with his next deal.
Some may argue Campbell still hasn’t proved himself over a long period of time. Others would counter he is a late bloomer who is now taking advantage — for the most part — of the opportunity finally provided to him.
The reality is that for all those who are in the former category, there is still going to be a market for the 2010 11th overall draft pick. He is a talented and athletic netminder, who has improved his confidence.
Albeit with the benefit of hindsight, you imagine the Leafs must be regretting the three-year, $11.4 million contract they gave to Petr Mrazek last off-season. His $3.8 million annual cap hit is an issue, which could impact any potential to trade him and free up more money to offer to Campbell.
Overall, the Leafs will do what they can to retain the services of Campbell. Unfortunately for them and their fans, their bargaining power is precarious as things stand.
light. More. Jason Spezza retires and joins Leafs' front office
Do you predict Campbell will remain in Toronto, or play elsewhere next season? How much do you think the Leafs should be prepared to offer to re-sign him? Let us know in the comments section below.