Maple Leafs Could Bring Back Former Leafs Goalie as Added Insurance for the Organization

The 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs had fantastic depth between the pipes at both the NHL and AHL levels. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll held down the fort for the Leafs, whereas Dennis Hildeby, Matt Murray, and Artur Akhtyamov were a solid trio for the Toronto Marlies.

However that depth is going to be tested this year after Murray walked as a free agent and signed with the Seattle Kraken and Hildeby remaining unsigned despite being qualified by the Leafs earlier this summer.

It's expected that the Leafs will come to terms on a new contract with the RFA goaltender, but even with the hulking Swede in between the pipes and Akhtyamov representing a solid backup option, the Leafs should still look to address their depth just in case.

The goaltending market right now is relatively thin but there are a few intriguing options that could be brought over as low-risk-high-reward acquisitions, including Jack Campbell.

The former Maple Leaf goaltender has struggled since his departure from the club, when he signed a long-term deal with the Edmonton Oilers. He lasted for only 41 games between 2022 and 2024 and has been a mainstay in the minor leagues since.

Campbell was also bought out from his contract in the summer of 2024 before signing a deal with his hometown club the Detroit Red Wings. He posted a 5-7-1 record with a .893 SV% in 14 games for the Grand Rapid Griffins in the AHL but was a lot better the year before in Bakersfield, where he was 18-13-1 with a .918 SV%.

With familiarity being a key component here, Campbell could look to resurrect his career, where he was arguably at his best, when he posted a 31-9-6 record with a .914 SV% in 2021-22. Even the year before that, he went 17-3-2 with a .921 SV% and a minuscule 2.15 GAA.

Last year, Murray went 10-5-4 with a .934 SV% and a 1.72 GAA in Toronto, and while those peripherals might be hard to replicate, Campbell can surely post similar numbers in the same situation, while also lending a hand with veteran experience in the AHL.