Jack Campbell Leaves Red Wings Indefinitely for Personal Reasons

Now 32 years old, Jack Campbell last played in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers in November of last season. He was bought out of his 5 year, $25M contract after just 41 total games in Edmonton. The Detroit Red Wings signed him in free agency for one year at league minimum salary of $775K.

The NHL Player's Association released a statement and did not confirm the reason for Campbell's check-in, but only that he would be out indefinitely and can only return to play once cleared by doctors.

Campbell quickly rose to star status with the Toronto Maple Leafs after an incredibly successful run from 2020-2022, but as soon as he arrived in Edmonton his performance took a turn for the worse. Campbell's save percentage dropped from .914 with the Leafs to .888 with the Oilers the next year. When it was clear that Campbell couldn't find his game again in the second year of the contract, the Oilers had to send him down to the AHL and rely on Calvin Pickard as the backup.

Despite how poorly things went for Campbell in Edmonton, he's still an incredible person beloved by teammates and fans. Everyone in hockey will be wishing the best for him as he seeks treatment in the Player Assistance Program. Campbell already defied the odds to make the NHL late in his career, maybe now he can launch a comeback for himself with the Red Wings if he returns.