The albatross is Jack Campbell's contract.

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Ryan Hall
April 4, 2023 (8:17)

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When general manager Ken Holland announced last summer that he had signed former Maple Leafs starting goaltender Jack Campbell to a five-year $25 million deal, its met with mixed emotions. Some were quite happy with this signing as Campbell had a solid season for the Maple Leafs and almost took them to the second round against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

However, in his first season as an Oiler, it's been nothing short of a disaster. Campbell's confidence is rattled numerous times and he has looked atrocious so much that the Oilers went out and signed Stuart Skinner to a three-year $2.6 million per season contract.

With almost $8 million tied up in goaltending, Holland will try to relieve himself of one of these deals. Campbell would be the more likely choice as the cap hit is quite high and it's an extra two seasons.

With the offseason approaching, rumours have been circulating of three teams that may look at Campbell as a possible solution for their situation.

Los Angeles Kings: Campbell was a former King before he was traded to the Maple Leafs and was in the shadow of former starter Jonathan quick. Quick was traded to the Blue Jackets during the trade deadline and then to the Vegas Golden Knights. With their current tender Joonas Korpisalo also entering free agency, the kings may find themselves without a starter for next season but could give Holland a chance to move Campbell there. Maybe going back to familiar surroundings would help him gain back his game.

Seattle Kraken: The goaltending situation in Seattle has been in flux all year. Ron Francis felt that Phillip Grubauer would be their successful starting goaltender. It hasn't been the case. Grubauer has struggled mightily all year and may be in line for a buyout. Campbell might be a choice to look at as Head coach Dave Hakstol and goalie coach Steve Briere were both familiar with Campbell in the Maple Leafs organization. Campbell would give current starter Martin Jones some relief.

St Louis Blues: The Blues have begun their mini rebuild and currently have a goaltender that is the most disliked player in the entire NHL. Jordan Binnington has been more interested in fighting other players physically than trying to stop pucks in the net. His value has been dropping dramatically, especially in his statistics. With the Blues willing to stay below the playoff line there may be a market for the Oilers to offload Campbell to the Blues and would give him a defensive core to work with to help right his game.

Saying all this, it remains whether the Oilers will be willing to do this move, but one thing is certain, the Oilers will need to make a change in the net very soon.