Report: Oilers could be preparing to ditch Jack Campbell

The Edmonton Oilers placed starting goaltender Mike Smith on LTIR last offseason, effectively ending his tenure with the team as well as his NHL career. And in his stead, they signed former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell as a replacement. 

But to say that Campbell did not exactly live up to the contract in his first season with the Oilers would be an understatement. For the first half of the year, he sported a goals against average of just under 4.00, a save percentage well below .900, and zero shutouts.

While his final regular season record of 21-9-4 isn't bad at all, his numbers still were not indicative of a starting goaltender making $5 million a season, finishing with a 3.41 goals against average and seeing his starting role taken by rookie Stuart Skinner.

He's going to be on the hot seat entering this season, according to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic. He writes that Oilers general manager Ken Holland could elect to move on from Campbell if he struggles out of the gate this fall: 

"Stuart Skinner should build on his rookie campaign and veteran Jack Campbell may recover enough to keep his job with the Oilers.

If Campbell struggles again, it’s possible the Oilers move him out in favour of a more consistent option.

Goaltending was not good enough against the Vegas Golden Knights last spring; both men will have the season to audition. The trade deadline could be a pivot point at this position."

Oilers fans, how short of a leash should Campbell have this season?

Recommended articles:

• Former first round pick rumored to be making a return to the NHL.
• Uneasy statement by Evander Kane ahead of 2023-24 season
• Former Oilers and Blackhawks goalie signs a PTO
• Two former Oilers sign new contracts just minutes apart
• Former Oilers forward Devin Shore signs a new contract in free agency