This story came out over the weekend, but I felt it needed a whole post to itself rather than just a quick footnote in a Post Battle. Gregory Campbell was waived by the Blue Jackets last week, he went unclaimed and the assumption was he would head up to Cleveland and await the chance to return to the big club. Campbell though had other thoughts. As reported by Aaron Portzline, Campbell has elected to not report to Cleveland and has been suspended by the club.

#CBJ have suspended C Gregory Campbell for failing to report to @monstershockey. Campbell was notified by letter this afternoon.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 15, 2016

Campbell has chosen not to report because he does not want to take the spot of a younger player. I can understand this reason, but I think Campbell would have really helped the young guys down in Cleveland, with his experience. I think the bigger reason he won’t report is if he goes down to Cleveland and struggles, his NHL career is over. After watching him last season, it is quite possible he wouldn’t be very effective in the AHL. The problem with Campbell is that he is a fourth line penalty killer. He doesn’t have the skills to play up in the line-up even in the AHL.

Jarmo Kekalainen tried to trade Campbell before placing him on waivers but couldn’t find a suitor. Barring a couple injuries to other teams I don’t think Campbell gets traded. Teams had a chance to pick him up for free off of waivers. It’s unlikely that they would now want to give up an asset for him. The only way I see him getting dealt is if the Jackets retain salary, but there is no reason for them to do that at this point.

By suspending Campbell, it means his $1.5 million cap (per General Fanager) hit comes off the books. Sending Campbell to the minors cleared $900,000, meaning he only counts for approximately $600K on the cap. The suspension however, clears that cap hit off of the books, for as long as Campbell is suspended for. If/when the suspension is lifted the Jackets will be back on the hook for Campbell’s cap hit.

Campbell has returned home to Kitchener Ontario and will be skating and training on his own.

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot

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