New Sheriff In Town

The Leafs' best player isn't making ten million per year, wasn't drafted by the team, and has been regarded as a backup for the majority of his career. Yes, I'm talking about Jack Campbell. Where would the Leafs be if Kyle Dubas couldn't swing the deal of acquiring Campbell in the (original) Kyle Clifford deal with the Kings? The netminder has proven the league wrong countless times and appears to be carrying that momentum into this season.

Hockey fans may forget Campbell as the 11th overall pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Draft. Having played in just six NHL games before the 2018-2019 season, he took advantage of his opportunity and earned his spot as a bonafide NHL goaltender. At the ripe age of 29, Campbell is receiving his chance in the NHL behind a Toronto team focused on making a playoff run. Despite being a late-bloomer, the Leaf's netminder is proving his highly-touted scouting report entering the league wasn't a fluke and continues to run with his opportunity.

Jack Campbell and Frederik Andersen are ranked 2 and 4 in goalie stats as we approach the quarter-season mark; Take a breather Leafs fans. Campbell is posting career-best numbers this season with a 1.68 GAA and .943 save percentage. So, what is the noticeable difference in this year’s roster? The team is finally coming to terms that Campbell is their new number one goalie and can focus on hockey again. Instead of the "outscore the other team approach" implemented over past seasons, the roster is buying into the playoff mentality. Toronto's 8-2 record in their last ten games has them sitting 4th in league standings and back on track. The main question continues to be the longevity of Campbell's strong play. The goalie has only amassed the 30-game threshold one time in his career with the Kings following a knee injury to Jonathan Quick. Campbell's strong play is a big reason for the team's turnaround and shouldn't be forgotten. The Leaf's defense and overall team confidence are rising with Campbell between the pipes and look seemingly more confident as of late.

So, Petr Mrazek who? When they signed the goalie in the off-season, the Leafs had planned for a tandem during the season. Thoughts of Dubas taking trade calls for Mrazek at the Trade Deadline are inevitable but appear unlikely since Michael Hutchinson remains the backup option. At a $3.8M contract until 2023-2024, Mrazek is feeling the wrath of the cap-conscious Leaf's organization and could end up as the Shanaplan scapegoat. That said, Mrazek may have played his last game in a Leaf's uniform. Dubas' most important asset is cap space, and we should expect him to capitalize if an opportunity arises.

Since we're talking money, Campbell should make a lot next season. Whether it be with the Leafs or another franchise, the goalie is going to have his payday. So, what is the contract comparable for Campbell? Cal Peterson from the Los Angeles Kings recently signed a three-year, $15 million contract with an AAV of $5M. Dubas has crafted unique ways to resolve his cap situation in the past, and it appears the Leafs GM may have to be creative once again if he plans on making Campbell the Leafs 1A goalie.

My take? Mrazek will get moved at the deadline, and another backup is acquired to save money for a bottom-six forward. With very little capital to entice other teams with, one may question if it is unlikely other teams will deal with the Leafs? GMs may receive greater returns elsewhere and force the Leaf's hand if they have limited buying power/assets to part with due to their cap situation.

Campbell aims to become the first Maple Leaf's goalie to win the Vezina Trophy since the late Terry Sawchuk back in the 1964-1965 season. On pace for a career year, Campbell and the Leafs look to keep pace atop the league’s best and into the playoffs.