Jack Campbell’s Hardest Save of All – His Career

In the minors (2023-24 & 2024-25) with the Bakersfield Condors and Grand Rapids Griffins, Campbell played in 47 games, posting 23 wins. He showed signs of determination and a willingness to rebuild his game, even if the road back to an NHL crease remains to be a monstrous haul. 

Campbell’s story brings us to his current turning point. His fans want to believe, yet NHL teams require proof. So, as we noted in a previous article, the NHL goalie comeback blueprint can prove to be a possible path for Campbell to follow:

The Long Odds of an NHL Goalie Comeback

Campbell may never return to the NHL. His struggles have been deep, and the doubts—internal and external—are real. Some goaltenders never escape that spiral. But others have. Sergei Bobrovsky resurrected his career after significant dips. Cam Talbot bounced back multiple times.

Redemption is possible, but far from guaranteed. Campbell’s path forward is steep, and the NHL rarely offers second chances without clear, sustained proof. That’s what makes this story so compelling—it’s not just about belief; it’s about beating the odds.

What Would an NHL Goalie Comeback Blueprint Look Like?

What would a successful Campbell reset look like? If Campbell is going to find his way back to the NHL, here’s what likely needs to happen, step by step:

First, Campbell Needs a Mental Reset in a Low-Pressure Setting

The foundation for any Campbell comeback happens in his head. First, the psychological aspects must be engaged. His confidence was visibly shattered in Edmonton, and any reset has to start by rebuilding belief in himself as a goaltender. That means stepping away from the spotlight—likely in the American Hockey League (AHL) or through extended work with a trusted goalie coach in a non-competitive setting.

There’s no shortcut here. Quiet success, away from media scrutiny, will do far more than forcing him into another high-stakes role before he’s ready. The psychological demons must be exorcized before any success is possible.

Second, Campbell Needs Technical Refinement With the Right Coaching

Campbell’s mechanics imploded. His footwork, tracking, and rebound control fell apart. To get back on track, he needs a simple, fundamentals-focused approach guided by supportive, strengths-based coaching. This isn’t about reinventing his game, but rather rebuilding trust in his habits. The right coach can help him simplify his stance, improve timing, and re-establish positional discipline.

At his best, Campbell was calm, structured, and efficient. That version of him can return—but only through deliberate, focused work away from the pressure to perform immediately.

Third, Campbell Needs a Stable and Supportive Organizational Environment

Goaltenders are especially sensitive to the context around them. For Campbell, chaos has been a killer—both in Toronto and Edmonton. His next team must offer stability: a clear goalie hierarchy, strong defensive play, and patient coaches. He needs structure, not uncertainty.

An environment that prioritizes development over panic—and allows him to grow without fear of being scapegoated—could give him the runway he needs. The wrong team could end his comeback before it starts; the right one could help him quietly return to NHL form.

Fourth, Campbell Needs a Defined Role with the Right Opportunity

No team will hand Campbell a starter’s job, and he shouldn’t expect one. His comeback hinges on accepting a clearly defined backup or 1B role behind a true starter. That clarity gives him time to focus, prepare deeply for select starts, and regain consistency. Then, it comes down to timing: a struggling starter, an injury, or a rebuilding club looking for value could open a door.

When it does, Campbell has to be ready—mentally calm, technically sharp, and emotionally grounded—to step through it with quiet confidence.

3 NHL Teams That Could Offer Campbell the Right Reset

If Campbell is going to make his way back to the NHL, he’ll need the right kind of situation—one that balances opportunity with patience, and structure with support. Not every team is built to offer that kind of environment, but a few stand out as potential landing spots.

The following three organizations could give Campbell a clean slate to rebuild his game, reset mentally, and quietly re-establish himself as a reliable NHL option.

First, the San Jose Sharks are rebuilding, offering Campbell a low-pressure environment. Not in a “win-now” mode, the Sharks might be a team that can provide an opportunity for Campbell to work on his game without intense immediate expectations, crucial for a mental reset and technical refinements.

Second, the Buffalo Sabres have been seeking goaltending stability. With a projected 2025-26 tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, an experienced veteran like Campbell could provide depth or intense competition for a backup role (if/when needed). The Sabres, aiming to take the next step, might be patient, offering Campbell the stability needed to rebuild confidence, while offering organizational depth and veteran presence.

Third, the Ottawa Senators’ goaltending features Linus Ullmark as the starter (significant cap hit) and Leevi Meriläinen projected as the backup. Reliable depth is crucial; Campbell could offer veteran presence and compete for minutes, providing a valuable option if Meriläinen isn’t fully ready or injuries occur. The Senators’ playoff aspirations could make them open to a low-risk, high-reward option that Campbell could offer if he finds his A game.

Why We’re Still Rooting for Soupy

Campbell still commands loyalty for his humility, work ethic, and emotional authenticity. That bond remains intact. But he knows that trust must be earned again. Whether it’s dominating in the AHL or earning starts in the NHL, every save counts. Goalie careers are often about resilience and grit, and Campbell has shown both heart and determination to climb back.

Clearly, the NHL is unforgiving, but it also rewards redemption stories. Campbell should believe in a comeback because he’s already proven the most challenging part: he refuses to quit. This comeback won’t be easy. It shouldn’t be. Redemption in hockey isn’t granted—it’s earned. Campbell knows that.

If he can rebuild his game—technically, mentally, emotionally—in the right place, at the right time, opportunity will follow. And when it arrives, he won’t need to announce it—his play will speak for him.

Campbell Might Not Be Done, But He Isn’t Where He Needs to Be

Campbell isn’t finished. He’s just not there yet. And for anyone who values steady progress over flash, that’s more than enough reason to stay invested.

His road back to an NHL crease might be steep, but he’s climbed more challenging hills before—and far beyond the doubt, the clamor, and the shadows of uncertain days, a quiet and steadfast triumph waits—patient, unshaken—ready to bear his name with pride, as if it always knew he would arrive.

[Note: I’d like to thank Brent Bradford (PhD) for his help co-authoring this post. His profile can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bradford-phd-3a10022a9]