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Soup on the move? Will the Leafs trade Campbell’s rights?

June 29, 2022, 3:12 PM ET [262 Comments]
Mike Augello
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The focal point of the Toronto Maple Leafs offseason will start with their situation between the pipes, and according to a report earlier this week from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, one possible option may be to trade pending UFA Jack Campbell’s rights if the Leafs are unable to re-sign him or unwilling to meet his asking price before the start of free agency in mid-July.

The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun reported on Wednesday that the Leafs and Campbell’s agent Kurt Overhardt remain in contact but that no progress has been made and it appears likely that he will be heading to market.

Brooks indicates that the New Jersey Devils are interested in the 30-year-old All-Star and may be willing to give up something to have an exclusive negotiating window before July 13th, which could recoup the Leafs a draft pick next week in Montreal.

Toronto faced a similar situation with winger Zach Hyman last summer, with Edmonton as the clear front runner, but GM Ken Holland was unwilling to give up a high pick (reportedly a second-rounder) for a sign-and-trade to lower Hyman’s AAV on an eight-year deal. The situation with Campbell is slightly different, with the Devils having no need to lower the cap hit with over $25 million in cap space, but may want an early opportunity to speak to him with other teams like the Oilers rumored to be interested.

New Jersey has nine draft picks (including three fourth-rounders) this upcoming draft, while the Leafs have only three (1st, 3rd, and 7th). Brooks also believes that New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald may be looking to move out Mackenzie Blackwood’s $2.8 million salary after a pair of subpar seasons, but it is unclear whether that means in a deal for Campbell’s rights or in a separate deal.

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