The signing of Jack Campbell has been a total disaster for both the goalie himself and the Edmonton Oilers. Signed for 3 more years at $5M, Campbell was so bad in the NHL this year that the team had no choice but to waive their starting goalie. No other team wanted to take a chance on him, and now Campbell's been playing in the minors for months - and things have finally turned around.
Campbell was sent down after just 5 games this year with an abysmal .873 save percentage, and his struggles continued when he arrived in Bakersfield. However, he's really found his game again in recent weeks, marked by a high point last night with a 31 save performance and the first star of the game. In 27 games this season in the AHL now, Campbell is back up to an elite .917 save percentage.
Campbell's sustained run of quality play could give him a legitimate chance at making an NHL comeback next season. Both the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks were reported to have interest in Campbell at the deadline. As rebuilding teams looking for a goaltender, they would be a perfect fit to take a shot on Campbell.
It's unlikely that the Oilers will rely on Campbell to play to the value of his $5M salary again. This offseason, if they can trade Campbell they will do so, and if they can't they'll consider a buyout. Still, that doesn't preclude the possibility that Campbell may have to play NHL games down the stretch in case of injury - so us Oilers fans will still be cheering for Soup.
