The hope for Jack Campbell to find his footing in the AHL has struggled to take root, with it appearing the former All-Star may be there longer than thought.
Jack Campbell Still Struggling In AHL
Jack Campbell's struggles in the NHL early in the year for Edmonton appear to still be having an effect in the AHL. Since clearing waivers after a 1-4-0 start with the Oilers, Campbell was expected to revitalize himself with the Bakersfield Condors, but has still found himself unable to reclaim his past dominance, currently fielding a 4-6-0 record with a 3.46GAA and a .888SV%.
In contrast to Campbell's numbers, fellow Bakersfield Goalies have not struggled. Calvin Pickard, called up by Edmonton, had a wrapping 2.03GAA and a .939SV%, along with a 2-2-0 record. Oliver Rodrigue, currently sharing the net with Campbell, has a 3-2-1 record, with a 2.14GAA and a .938SV%.
According to an interview with Oilers color commentator Bob Stauffer, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, it appears likely that Rodrigue has begun to earn the starters nod over Campbell.
"Olivier Rodrigue has got to play. So this plan that the Oilers had, that this would be a short trip down for Campbell, it's going in the other direction. I think it becomes....how comfortable are you with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard? And if not, where are you going?»
Rodrigue, a 2nd Round Pick of the Oilers in 2018, continues to have hot starts for Bakersfield, leading to the tough decision between them and the Oilers over winning games or solving whatever problem persists for Campbell. The answer may rely on Pickard, and if he's ready to be a NHL backup. Pickard currently has a 2-2-0 record in Edmonton with a 2.99GAA and a .898SV%.
Campbell, 31, was placed on waivers in November, in year 2 of a 5-year contract worth $5M a season. With the Oilers, he compiled a 22-13-4 record. Campbell was an All-Star with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022.