Jack Campbell Cleared To Return But Likely Not With Red Wings

Former All-Star goaltender Jack Campbell hasn't played yet this season after entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in early October. He has now officially exited the Program and been cleared to return to play, but the Detroit Red Wings have no need to add him to their roster, and they've immediately placed him on waivers.

Campbell entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Oct 4.

He is now cleared to return https://t.co/mk3W9nakXg
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 17, 2024

The Red Wings will likely send Campbell to the AHL if he clears, but his $775,000 one-year contract could convince some teams looking for a potential boost to their goaltending corps to take a chance.

Campbell played in the All-Star game as recently as 2021-22 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, when he had a .914 save percentage and 2.64 goals against average with five shutouts. But he struggled somewhat upon landing in Edmonton with the Oilers the following season, posting an .888 Sv% with a 3.41 GAA.

Then last season, he hit rock bottom, starting the year 1-4-0 with an .873 Sv% before being demoted to the AHL where he spent the rest of the season.

Detroit signed him to the one-year, minimum salary contract this season, but Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon have combined for a .910 Sv% this season, 9th-best in the NHL, so Campbell is not needed in Detroit
at this time.

Teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche are among those who are potentially looking for help between the pipes.