Campbell began this season struggling so much that he became unplayable, currently posting a 4.50 Goals Against Average and an .873 save percentage. The Oilers couldn't out-score their goaltending and defence problems, and found themselves as low as second last in the league. GM Ken Holland had no choice but to send Campbell to the AHL to find his game.
Friedman said the call up would be conditional on Campbell's play and health following last night's game for the Bakersfield Condors, and Campbell came away healthy with a 6-4 win, stopping 31 of 35 shots against.
Even as the Oilers plan to call Campbell back to the NHL this week, the team is still just hoping for a revitalization. Campbell's numbers in the AHL haven't been much better, but a recent string of successful games including a shutout win has shown signs of the old Campbell.
At the end of the day however, the struggling Campbell might be the expectation going forward. At 31 years old, Campbell's only started 176 games, and hasn't posted a save percentage above .888 since joining the Oilers. If Campbell can't find success again after this stint in the AHL, GM Ken Holland will be forced to look for a goaltender by trade, and hopefully move Campbell and his anchor $5M annual contract.
