Free Agency doesn't begin until noon on July 13th, but that hasn't stopped at least two teams from posturing for Jack Campbell. After the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils all appeared to lock up solutions in goal, it really only leaves the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers in the goalie market. The Capitals appear focused on signing Darcy Kuemper, it leaves the Leafs and Oilers to fight it out for Jack Campbell's services.
Campbell broke out as a potential starting goalie over the past two seasons with the Maple Leafs, but his financial ask seems to be out of line with what the Maple Leafs will offer. Enter the Oilers, who feel that their biggest issue last season was goaltending. With Mike Smith expected to spend next year on long term injured reserve, Edmonton is searching for a permanent solution.
Campbell finished last season with a save percentage of .941 and a goals against average of 2.63, despite struggling for almost two months with injury. Both the Maple Leafs and Oilers have some cap issues that they'll need to navigate, but neither team can afford to enter next season without a solid starting goalie in place.
The Maple Leafs will have the next 3 days to try and negotiate exclusively with the Oilers, but at this point with so few options remaining Campbell might be best off waiting until free agency to maximize on his likely only career payday.
