Jack Campbell dominating the AHL as Oilers plan to call him back up

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Ryan Hall
December 1, 2023 (8:13 PM)

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Jack Campbell's season has been tumultuous. It began with a fantastic preseason record, along with save percentages and goals against levels he hadn't seen in his career.

However, as the regular season began, everything came to a crashing halt with a record of 1-4-0 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 4.50, accompanied by a .873 save percentage (SV%).

In response to this performance, he was quickly demoted to the AHL and now rides the bus with the Bakersfield Condors. General manager Ken Holland felt this move was necessary as his $5 million prized goalie needed a change of scenery and a chance to regain his composure.

As Campbell's season with the Condors started poorly, he requested a new goaltending coach, who happens to be former NHL goaltender Manny Legace.

In the past three games, with the arrival of Legace and a possible newfound confidence, Campbell's numbers have rebounded significantly, contributing to two wins out of three games for the Condors.

Stopping 102 of 108 shots and only allowing two five-on-five goals, the Oilers may have made the right decision, and could be a resurgence of Jack Campbell in the Oilers lineup?

On the other hand, Holland wants to keep his options open. As his scouting team continues to scour across the league looking for a potential replacement for Campbell, he is aware that this sudden boost of confidence could potentially wane again.

With the Christmas trade freeze approaching, Holland may want an early crack at the trade market in case Soup spoils a second time.