Trade plan in place for Jack Campbell in Edmonton

Goalie Jack Campbell has lost his starting role to prospect Olivier Rodrigue with the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League, and everyone is wondering what will come next for the goaltender. When asked about Cambell’s future in Edmonton, Oilers insider Mark Spector of Sportsnet hinted at the possibility of general manager Ken Holland attempting to move his contarct after the 2023-24 season. This is what Spector shared with fans in his latest mailbag when asked about what comes next for the netminder:

“Edmonton will move on from Jack Campbell , likely this summer. But that will take assets going out to make a deal happen, and right now, Holland would rather spend those assets on acquisitions that will help a playoff run in 2024.

“I don’t see an in-season deal here, and I don’t see Campbell getting the net back in Bakersfield any time soon, the way Rodrigue has performed. Also, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Campbell backing up Skinner come playoff time if he can retrieve his game somewhat.

“But dumping that contract in-season? Anything is possible, but I see them parting with Campbell this summer. That acquisition has been an unmitigated disaster.”

The $25 million goaltender cleared through waivers in early November and the plan was for him to regain confidence in the AHL. That has not happened… While Campbell was struggling with the Oilers, he is not doing any better with the Condors, allowing at least four goals in six of his 10 starts.

His contract will be a huge sticking point if the Oilers push him onto the trade market, and that’s why Spector is hinting at Holland having to add in some sweeteners to get rid of the goalie, maybe someone like Philip Broberg.

The Oilers could also consider buying out Campbell’s deal but the fallout from such a move would impact the salary cap for the next six seasons. This would mean a cap hit of $1.1 million next season, per Cap Friendly, and you may think that’s not too bad. But it goes up from there: the following two seasons would see cap hits of $2.3 million and $2.6 million respectively, due to the front-loaded nature of the deal. After this, the final three seasons would see the Oilers take an annual cap hit of $1.5 million.

But it may have to come down to this to move on from Campbell…

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