Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and will be away from the club indefinitely, the league announced Friday.
Campbell’s reason for entering the program, which assists players and their families with mental health, substance abuse and other matters, was not disclosed by the NHL.
Per program rules, Campbell can return to the team when approved for on-ice competition by program administrators.
Jack Campbell (@DetroitRedWings) to receive care from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. https://t.co/n9KQcvBIEB pic.twitter.com/CsD9JhCquG
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 4, 2024
Campbell signed a one-year contract with an average annual value of $775,000 with Detroit on July 1. Before signing with the Red Wings, Campbell spent most of the 2023-24 season with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Following that season, Edmonton put the 32-year-old on unconditional waivers and bought out the last three years of his contract.
Campbell was selected with the No. 11 pick of the 2010 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars. He has also played for the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 176 regular-season games played in the NHL, Campbell posts a 93-52-18 record and a .909 save percentage.
What is the impact on the Red Wings?
Campbell was expected to be with AHL Grand Rapids this season, likely as the backup and mentor to top prospect Sebastian Cossa. Certainly, his NHL experience was also valuable to the organization if injuries necessitated a call-up.
Now, though, Detroit will have some tough decisions to make on how to address the void in Grand Rapids. The Red Wings kept three goalies on the NHL team last season and have looked prepared to do so again, with Ville Husso, Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot all in the fold. But with Campbell now out indefinitely, Detroit will have to decide whether to stick with that trio, and promote one of Carter Gylander, Jan Bednar or Gage Alexander as Cossa’s backup, or waive one of its NHL goalies.
Husso would be the likeliest of the three to clear waivers and make it to Grand Rapids, because of his $4.75 million cap hit, but that’s also a big salary to not be on the NHL roster. — Max Bultman, Red Wings beat writer
(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
