EDMONTON — Better late than never.
It is frustrating for a player when they don’t get to play a game for a long time. Only one current Edmonton Oilers player hasn’t played a game this season (Evander Kane).
The same cannot be said for former Oilers.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, one former Oilers goalie made their 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 1st, shortly after the Oilers bought out the remaining three years of his five-year $5-million contract.
The Red Wings’ crease was crowded 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 drew the short end of the hockey stick and didn’t see any action before October 4, when he entered the NHLPA Players Assistance program. He remained there until November 17, when he was cleared to return and subsequently put on waivers.
The 32-year-old is no stranger to AHL competition. Having played over 200 games, he provides 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 ended with the Oilers, Campbell can still provide valuable goaltending for an AHL team. Best of luck to the former Oiler.
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