The Toronto Maple Leafs head into this upcoming season with a clear lack of goaltending depth. Beyond Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, the Leafs don’t have a reliable third-string goalie.
So, Toronto must look into finding a reliable third-string option to help solidify the team’s depth. But with the goalie market somewhat bare, one name comes to mind: Jack Campbell.
Jack “Soupy” Campbell took over the crease for the Maple Leafs when Frederik Andersen departed. Campbell was great as Andersen’s backup during the 2020-21 season. He started 22 games, posting a 2.15 GAA and a .921 SV%.
In the 2021-22 season, Campbell became the full-time starter. He appeared in 49 games, posting a 2.64 GAA and a .914 SV%. The numbers weren’t mind-shocking, but decent enough for a contending team. Still, the numbers were good enough to earn him an All-Star selection.
That offseason, Campbell wanted to cash in on his newfound success as an NHL starter. The Maple Leafs didn’t bite. Instead, it was the Edmonton Oilers who bestowed Campbell a five-year, $25 million contract.
The deal quickly went south. The Oilers bought out Campbell’s contract after the 2023-24 season. Soupy then signed on with the Detroit Red Wings this past season, but couldn’t find any traction.
The Wings cut him. Then, Campbell entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Campbell has kept a low profile since then. But there’s no reason why the Toronto Maple Leafs shouldn’t offer Soupy another kick at the NHL can.
Maple Leafs Could Provide a Supportive Environment for Campbell
Firstly, the Maple Leafs would not be signing Campbell to hit the NHL ice. If anything, adding Jack Campbell at his point is nothing more than a depth signing. He’s got NHL experience and could become a solid third-string option if he gets his game together.
So, signing Campbell to an AHL contract could be the right starting point. Campbell could take on a full-time role with the Marlies as he tries to define his game. With zero pressure on him, Campbell could rediscover the talent that made him a first-round selection in 2010.
The Maple Leafs could also offer a path back to the NHL. Since injuries and fatigue can take a toll on NHL goalies, Campbell could become a viable third-string option if need be. Campbell could follow a similar path to the one Matt Murray did last season following his surgery.
Campbell Could Become the Leafs’ EBUG
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which goes into effect in 2026-27, has made the figure of an emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) a key role. Previous iterations of EBUGs could have been virtually anyone who could wear the pads in an emergency.
The best example of that was David Ayres in 2020 playing against the Maple Leafs. Ayres went into NHL history as the most notorious EBUG.
So, why not have someone like Jack Campbell as an EBUG during his path back to the NHL? The CBA states that EBUGs cannot be under contract and must sit in the stands during games. That could be Jack Campbell as he works his way back into a professional contract.
The Maple Leafs lose nothing by having an experienced netminder like Campbell sitting in the stands, hoping to get a shot. Moreover, the motivation of potentially getting into an NHL game could spur Campbell to get back on track.
If things work out, Soupy could sign a pro contract and formally become a part of the club.
Maple Leafs Should Give Former Goalie Another Shot at NHL