EDMONTON — Better late than never.
It’s frustrating for a player if he can’t play a game for a long time. Only one current Edmonton Oilers player has not played a game this season (Evander Kane).
The same can’t be said for former Oilers.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, a former Oilers goalie made his season debut. Jack Campbell started his first game for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Campbell signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 1, shortly after the Oilers bought out the remaining three years of his five-year, $5 million contract.
The Red Wings’ fold was busy in training camp, with Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, Ville Husso, Sebastian Cossa and Campbell all trying to get playing time in the NHL and AHL.
Campbell got the short end of the hockey stick and didn’t see any action before Oct. 4, when he entered the NHLPA Players Assistance program. He remained there until November 17, when he was cleared to return and subsequently granted waivers.
The 32-year-old is no stranger to the AHL league. Having played more than 200 games, he offers experience to the Red Wings farm team.
Last season he played 33 games for the Bakersfield Condors with positive results. Campbell posted a record of 18-13-1, with three shutouts, a 2.63 goals against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage (SV%).
Despite how things turned out for the Oilers, Campbell can still provide valuable goaltending for an AHL team. Good luck to the former Oiler.
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