Ken Holland Meets With Jack Campbell And Reveals Their Next Move

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Hunter Bowman
November 10, 2023 (1:55 PM)

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Goalie Jack Campbell is facing a challenging week, having been placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers this Tuesday. This move comes as a result of his less-than-stellar performance this season, boasting a 1-4-0 record with a .873 save percentage and a 4.50 goals-against average. Surprisingly, no other NHL team has expressed interest in picking him up.

This development was somewhat predictable, given that Campbell is currently in the second season of a five-year, $25 million contract signed in 2022. His statistics have been nothing short of abysmal, leading to his assignment to the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers' American Hockey League affiliate. Stuart Skinner has now assumed the role of the clear No. 1 goalie for Edmonton.

However, General Manager Ken Holland, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, held a meeting with Campbell before the waiver transaction and conveyed the expectation that the goalie will use this time in the minors to improve and eventually make a comeback to the Oilers' lineup.

«As for Campbell, he met with Holland and was told to prepare/play as if there is a road back to Northern Alberta.»

Campbell faces heightened pressure in this situation, a scenario he's encountered before in Edmonton. In the previous season, Skinner took over as the primary goalie, and while Skinner's performance hasn't been outstanding in the current season, Campbell finds himself back in a challenging position. To shake things up, Calvin Pickard has been recalled from the Condors, and there are ongoing trade rumors in Edmonton to address the goaltending concerns and salvage the Oilers' season. However, cap constraints may delay any potential moves, providing Campbell with an opportunity to regain confidence, enhance his performance, and reclaim his spot in the Oilers' dressing room.

In his first game of the season with the Condors on Thursday in Abbotsford, B.C., Campbell faced adversity, allowing four goals on 20 shots and appearing visibly shaken.