Rumor: Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender To Get Big Payday This Summer

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell currently has a $1.65 million cap hit, but his team-friendly contract expires this summer. With this, he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. If the Leafs want to keep him around, they will absolutely need to give him a raise.

According to Elliotte Friedman's most recent 32 Thoughts piece, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cal Petersen's recent extension is a potential comparable for what Campbell could receive. Petersen of course signed a three-year, $15 million extension with the Kings before the start of the regular season.

Since being traded to the Leafs, Campbell has blossomed into a true NHL starting goaltender. He took over the role for the Leafs last season and was very good in the process. In 22 games, he sported a 17-3-2 record and .921 SV%. Although the Leafs lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, he certainly did all he could to get them to move. This was evidenced by his 1.81 GAA and .934 SV%.

Campbell was originally a first-round pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but was unable to cement himself a permanent spot on their NHL team. Many fans labeled him as a bust because of this. With the Los Angeles Kings, however, he finally was able to during the 2018-19 season and has not lost a spot in the league since.

In four games this season with the Leafs thus far, he has a 2-0-1 record, 1.18 GAA and .953 SV%. It's safe to say he's starting the year on the right foot.