Oilers reportedly exploring potential buyout of Jack Campbell's contract

Edmonton Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson met with reporters on Thursday after the team announced the departure of Ken Holland once his contract ends on the weekend. Among the topics Jackson was asked about was Jack Campbell and if moving on from him, including via buyout, was an option.

Jackson told reporters that they're exploring all of their options and while they're not planning to buy him out, but they are considering the potential of doing so.

After a poor start to the 2023-24 campaign, the Edmonton Oilers made the bold move to place Campbell on waivers and after he cleared, assigned him to the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors where he spent the remainder of the year.

Campbell struggled at time in the AHL as well, even losing the starting role at one point. The Port Huron, Michigan native finished the season with a record of 18-13-1 in 33 games for the Condors, along with a 2.63 goals against average, .918 save percentage and three shutouts.

According to CapFriendly, a buyout of Jack Campbell's contract would last for six seasons and giving the Edmonton Oilers the following cap hit for each year:

Year 1: $1.1 million.
Year 2: $2.3 million.
Year 3: $2.6 million.
Years 4-6: $1.5 million.

The National Hockey League's buyout window opened today and runs until Sunday, June 30th, so we'll have to wait and see what the Edmonton Oilers to do. Stuart Skinner is the team's starting goaltender for several years to come and paying $5 million AAV for a backup for the next three seasons isn't ideal. With trading Campbell likely hard to do, unless they attach a sweetener, buying out his contract may be the only option.