Maple Leafs Floated for Reunion with Veteran Goalie to Bolster Depth

Maple Leafs Floated for Reunion with Veteran Goalie to Bolster Depth originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could turn to a familiar face to address their goaltending depth concerns.

Jim Parsons of The Hockey Writers suggested the franchise should explore bringing back unrestricted free agent Jack Campbell as a third-string option to cover for the potential absences of Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz during the season.

In building a case for Campbell, 33, Parsons cited both his experience and his history with the organization.

Toronto has yet to add a veteran netminder this offseason, a role previously filled by veterans Martin Jones and Matt Murray.

Could Jack Campbell Return to the Maple Leafs?https://t.co/hbEzGdjZ1y

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) August 13, 2025

Low-Risk, High-Familiarity Option for the Maple Leafs?

With Stolarz and Woll entrenched in Toronto but both with recent injury histories, Parsons said Campbell could provide valuable insurance.

“Why would Toronto even consider a reunion? Depth and experience," Parsons wrote. "Behind Stolarz and Woll, the organization could use another proven veteran in the system — someone who could provide mentorship while also serving as an emergency call-up if needed.”

Campbell started 75 games for Toronto from 2020 to 2022, earning an All-Star nod before signing a five-year, $25 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. His stint in Edmonton, however, ended after just two seasons as he was bought out in December 2024. Campbell signed with the Detroit Red Wings but spent the 2024-25 season with the Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Jack Campbell Could Add to the Maple Leafs' Depth in Net

Beyond Stolarz and Woll, the only two goalies on the Maple Leafs' active roster, Toronto's depth chart is thin on NHL experience. Dennis Hildeby, Timofei Obvintsev, Artur Akhtyamov, and Vyacheslav Peksa are all 23 or younger, with Hildeby struggling during a brief NHL stint last season.

Parsons argues that adding a veteran like Campbell could bridge the gap and protect against setbacks in net. He also believes Campbell could be signed to an AHL deal, making it a low-risk, high-reward move for the Leafs.

"An AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies could be the perfect low-risk arrangement," Parsons wrote. "Campbell would have a chance to find his game in a familiar setting, and the Maple Leafs would avoid any heavy financial or contractual commitment. If he managed to return to form, he’d be a ready-made insurance policy for the NHL roster."

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.