5 NHL buyout candidates New Jersey Devils should keep an eye on
By Nick Villano
Jack Campbell
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are headed to the Stanley Cup Final at the time of the writing. If you’re reading this in a few weeks, they may be the reigning champs. The Oilers spent $5 million per season to solidify their goaltending, but that’s not the guy who is taking them to the promised land. It’s actually Stuart Skinner.
Jack Campbell spent most of this season in the minor leagues, trying to rebuild his confidence and get the skill back that earned him $5 million AAV just two offseasons ago. If we remember, the Devils were widely considered the favorite to sign Campbell. The Oilers came over the top to sign the former Maple Leafs goalie.
It didn’t work out, but it is what it is. They made it to the Cup with Campbell’s cap hit weighing them down. They did the proper cap gymnastics, but everyone believes this contract is going away by hook or by crook.
The Oilers save almost $4 million in cap space next season if they buyout Campbell. This feels like a guarantee. They only have to pay $1.5 million in the years after the contract ends. That’s going to be nothing compared to how far almost $4 million will go next season when they have a ton of free agents to re-sign.
As far as the “why” for the Devils, he will be that extra goalie we’ve been talking about. He is not the start, nor is he the backup. Honestly, he might be willing to sign a two-way deal after the dreadful season he just had. However, the Devils can give him a chance to make his way back to the NHL.