Campbell, seeking a fresh start, aims for redemption this year.

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Ryan Hall
August 27, 2023 (0:16)

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At this time last year, the Oilers' management team and coaching staff were brimming with excitement. General Manager Ken Holland had successfully acquired Jack Campbell from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a price of $5 million per season over the next five years. A wave of anticipation surrounded him, with hopes that he would emerge as the leading goaltender, capable of carrying the team to the Stanley Cup finals.

However, the Oilers' roster redux this year has revealed persistent inconsistencies in Campbell's game, carried over from his time with the Maple Leafs. These inconsistencies continue to haunt Campbell, manifesting as statistical figures that do not align with the expectations of a $5 million starting goaltender.

In an interview, Campbell expressed his determination to elevate his game and embody the goaltender the Oilers believed he could be. He remarked,

"The pressure is always on, especially at this level. I aspire to excel every night. The beauty of this job is the opportunity to step out onto the ice and strive for greatness," Campbell asserted.

His teammates regard him as affable, attributing a sense of camaraderie to the team's locker room. Nurse commented,

"He's cheerful, yet he's a fierce competitor. He possesses a genuine desire to win. His commitment and diligence make him one of the most industrious teammates I've ever played alongside. His soft-spoken demeanor shouldn't overshadow his competitive spirit."

Oilers forward Zach Hyman added,

"An exceptional individual. In addition to being incredibly pleasant, he pushes his limits through an unwavering work ethic as a goaltender. I'm confident his seamless integration into our group, marked by remarkable talent and competitiveness, will make him a valuable asset."

The prevailing hope is that Campbell can rebound from his previous challenges and channel the lessons learned into a more successful season. The goal is to translate these improvements into a performance that aligns with the expectations of the contract he signed two years ago.