Re-signing Jack Campbell was considered the Toronto Maple Leafs’ off-season priority. Recent reports, however, indicate there’s been no progress on a new contract.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported there haven’t been any contract conversations for months, with one source claiming anything previously discussed was no longer relevant. Campbell’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, told Friedman there had been “no material contract conversations” since the end of the regular season.
TSN’s Chris Johnston said he wasn’t sure if Campbell would return with the Leafs. He felt the signs seem to indicate the 30-year-old goaltender could test the free-agent market.
Johnston reminded his listeners that things can change with one phone call. Plenty of time remains for the two sides to hammer out an agreement.
Cap Friendly shows the Leafs with $7.8 million in cap room with 17 players under contract. If Campbell were to seek around $5-million annually on a three- or four-year contract, they’ll have to shed salary to make room for that deal and leave enough to upgrade the roster.
Replacing Campbell won’t be easy if he departs in July. Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury and Colorado’s Darcy Kuemper are the best UFA options but wooing either guy to Toronto could get expensive. The 37-year-old Fleury’s age and Kuemper’s injury history are ongoing concerns.
The pickings are currently slim in the trade market.
John Gibson could be an option if he’s unwilling to remain part of the Anaheim Ducks’ rebuild. However, he carries a $6.4-million annual cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause.
The New York Islanders’ Semyon Varlamov has a year at $5 million left on his deal. He also has a 16-team no-trade list and could be reluctant to play for a Canadian club.
