Toronto Maple Leafs Are Not Missing Jack Campbell

The Toronto Maple Leafs decided to pass on Jack Campbell when he became an unrestricted free agent this past summer.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were not comfortable with Campbell’s contract demands and so general manager Kyle Dubas decided to sign Ilya Samsonov and trade for Matt Murray instead.

Campbell chose to sign a five-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers for $5 million a season. So far, Toronto seems to be better off without Campbell. (Salary cap info from: capfriendly.com)

The 2022-23 season got off to a bumpy start for the Maple Leafs, losing their first game of the season and then losing goaltender Matt Murray to injury. However, Samsonov has been impressive as the number-one starter for Toronto since game two of the season.

Campbell’s start has not been a good one in Edmonton. Those in Toronto know he can bounce back and still have a good season, but Oilers fans are getting restless already. Campbell has not been able to live up to Edmonton’s expectations. He has struggled before with being too hard on himself. Edmonton will have to see if he can bounce back mentally.

Toronto Maple Leafs Getting Good Start From Ilya Samsonov

Samsonov has played in four games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

His current record is 4-0-0 with a .938 SV% and a 1.73 GAA. He has only allowed seven goals on the 120 shots he’s faced. Everyone is happy with the 25-year-old’s start.
(Stats from hockey-reference.com)

Campbell, on the other hand, has not had a good start this season. His record after four starts is 2-2-0 with a .889 SV% and a 3.82 GAA. He has allowed 12 goals on the 120 shots he’s faced. Edmonton needs Campbell to improve if they’re to have success this season.

Both goaltenders have faced 120 shots in four games. Samsonov has allowed five fewer goals and has a perfect record.

The five extra goals allowed by Campbell are why he is 2-2-0 instead of 4-0-0. Five goals don’t seem like much, but they have cost Campbell and the Oilers two victories. There is still plenty of season left to play for both goaltenders. Right now, Toronto is happy to have Samsonov, while Edmonton struggles with Campbell.

On Monday, October 24th, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be in Vegas to play the Golden Knights. The Edmonton Oilers will be at home on Monday, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Samsonov and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for their 5th win of the season. Edmonton will be looking for their 3rd win. It might be too early to say that Campbell will be the starter for that game.