Dan Spiegel: What To Think Of Brian Campbell?

I Like Campbell?

I think he needs to pipe down about this whole wanting out of Florida BS. Finish your bloated contract and collect your $7 mil. Stop complainng.

Trade his ass

Serious detriment on the road to McDavid.

"Then the last two seasons happened and it's as if he almost checked out a bit. We can't really blame him, can we?"

Yes, you can. I'm sure if you looked around the league, you would find many players that are disenchanted or bummed on where they are or how some season have turned out- no surprises there. But, if Campbell is the leader you describe him to be, he wouldn't be checked out. The great ones have the ability to overcome losing seasons, teams, etc. and continue to be examples for the rest of the team. They don't "check out" when it isn't going how they planned. He's unhappy? Aww, I feel bad for him. It must be rough to get to play the game you love as a career and make millions of dollars while doing it. He wants to go somewhere else that gives him a chance at winning? I say get rid of him. Get that attitude out of the locker room before it becomes a cancer. It's not like he's a Ray Bourque, a guy that was a pure player, leader and professional, who spent year after year in Boston never winning a cup, who finally got rewarded when he made the move to Colorado. That dude was one of the few that could do that and everyone understood and was happy for him. Until Campbell reaches that level of play and respect (which he won't) then he can be sad about where he is.
Wouldn't it be great if us average Joes that work 9-5's could just tell our bosses we're unhappy where we're at and we want to go somewhere else that might give us a better chance at being a successful. But we don't have that luxury.

Serious detriment on the road to McDavid.
- jmatchett383

With the lottery the way it is now, it'd still be a toss up if they tanked.

PS
Sorry, one last thing. I don't know what this guy has to continue to complain about. Somehow he manages to get ridiculously large contracts from every team he signs with. Far more money than he is worth. All he does is become complacent and complain about how he wants to go to a contender. You have a much better defensemen in Gudbranson- that's a dude who will play hard every shift, every night and makes a fraction of the money Campbell makes. Campbell should be embarrassed by his behavior. How can you call someone a leader who openly expresses his opinion of wanting out of the team and city he plays for. It makes no sense. Trade him and bring someone in who wants to be a Panther and wants to win in Florida.

PS
Sorry, one last thing. I don't know what this guy has to continue to complain about. Somehow he manages to get ridiculously large contracts from every team he signs with. Far more money than he is worth. All he does is become complacent and complain about how he wants to go to a contender. You have a much better defensemen in Gudbranson- that's a dude who will play hard every shift, every night and makes a fraction of the money Campbell makes. Campbell should be embarrassed by his behavior. How can you call someone a leader who openly expresses his opinion of wanting out of the team and city he plays for. It makes no sense. Trade him and bring someone in who wants to be a Panther and wants to win in Florida.
- Hank3Henshaw

He's not the leader Dan wants you to believe he is, especially off the ice

Dan, this is some column.

First off, isn't it a fact that Dale contacted Campbell and asked if he WOULD play here? Look, the teams history IS the history, and I know he most likely thought that the Panthers would head in the right direction, they still are...slowly. They added a bunch of dough and some names that got them a banner a few years ago..then..the bottom falls out. Point is, "leaders" understand this and "leaders" have to comprehend and inspire others, ESPECIALLY, YOUNG others. This is a failure on his part if he is pissing and moaning, and word has it, he is. Not for just a "measley" few mil per..but, for 7+ mil per. The man gets no sympathy from me. None.

As much of a broken down older guy Jovo became and the end of 2012-13 season, just his actions of rehab inspired himslef and others. Sure, his game has passed him by, but thats the difference between heart and complacent.

I used to be a solid fan of this guy, but the last year and a half show me nothing. He plays in a funk and skates figure eights. Is this the quarterback of our power play? Well, that does explain a few things then.

As afr as Ekblad and his future contribution. I have heard from several folks that it's not even a given he plays with the big club this year, so to say we look forward to him and Cambell, or him and whomever, that now turns into a stretch. I assumed all along we drafted him because he was NHL ready now.

I personally think Campbells days here should be done, and I've waffled on him on this site for quite some time. Problem is, where and how can he go anywhere.

He's not the leader Dan wants you to believe he is, especially off the ice
- harveykline

Oh, trust me, man, I know. I remember when the Hawks had him...

I find it odd how everyone commenting on Dan's blog here is crucifying Campbell and calling for him to be traded BASED ON UNFOUNDED PURE SPECULATION OF HOW CAMPBELL FEELS.

Campbell without question is a leader on this team. Where I disagree with Dan is he saying Campbell has checked out. Even over the misery of the last few seasons he has ALWAYS played hard, showed up to camp in fantastic shape and has always been one of the hardest workers in practice.

And comparing Bourque to Campbell because it makes your argument sound better is laughable. Bourque is a top 5 NHL defenseman all time. No one in their right mind thinks Campbell is or ever will be. Why try making that comparison? Campbell doesn't have an attitude and a locker room cancer is the last thing he should be called.

Please someone regale me with a tale that's documented in fact of when Brian Campbell was a diva or a jackass in BUF, SJS or CHI?? I'd really like to hear that story.

And lastly "us average joes" DO IN FACT have the luxury of telling our bosses we aren't happy and want to make a move. It's called Monster.com.

I find it odd how everyone commenting on Dan's blog here is crucifying Campbell and calling for him to be traded BASED ON UNFOUNDED PURE SPECULATION OF HOW CAMPBELL FEELS.

Campbell without question is a leader on this team. Where I disagree with Dan is he saying Campbell has checked out. Even over the misery of the last few seasons he has ALWAYS played hard, showed up to camp in fantastic shape and has always been one of the hardest workers in practice.

And comparing Bourque to Campbell because it makes your argument sound better is laughable. Bourque is a top 5 NHL defenseman all time. No one in their right mind thinks Campbell is or ever will be. Why try making that comparison? Campbell doesn't have an attitude and a locker room cancer is the last thing he should be called.

Please someone regale me with a tale that's documented in fact of when Brian Campbell was a diva or a jackass in BUF, SJS or CHI?? I'd really like to hear that story.

And lastly "us average joes" DO IN FACT have the luxury of telling our bosses we aren't happy and want to make a move. It's called Monster.com.
- jacke1ope

Nobody compared him to Ray Bourque. It's on the contrary.."It's NOT like we're comparing him to Ray Bourque" was the posters impression.

What Brian Campbell have you watched the past two seasons?

Also, no one said he was a diva or cancer, he's checked out. He did last year, and in so many words he stated that to Dale and in the media.

So, in order to keep a 7 million dollar hockey player interested, we better come out of the gate on fire, so that we can keep Mr. Campbell interested.

Nobody compared him to Ray Bourque. It's on the contrary.."It's NOT like we're comparing him to Ray Bourque" was the posters impression.

What Brian Campbell have you watched the past two seasons?

Also, no one said he was a diva or cancer, he's checked out. He did last year, and in so many words he stated that to Dale and in the media.

So, in order to keep a 7 million dollar hockey player interested, we better come out of the gate on fire, so that we can keep Mr. Campbell interested.
- PanthersGoal

He is defenetly SOFT and a liability defensively. He's strictly a pp specialist, and an average one at best

What Brian Campbell have you watched the past two seasons?

Also, no one said he was a diva or cancer, he's checked out. He did last year, and in so many words he stated that to Dale and in the media.
- PanthersGoal

I've watched the Brian Campbell that has played every game, led the team in minutes played and has always been accountable with his teammates, coaches and the media.

When "in so many words" did he state to Dale he's checked out? Links? Sources? Being unhappy and being unprofessional are two very different things. In fact Dale gas only been on record refuting the rumor that Campbell requested to be traded.

I find it odd how everyone commenting on Dan's blog here is crucifying Campbell and calling for him to be traded BASED ON UNFOUNDED PURE SPECULATION OF HOW CAMPBELL FEELS.

Campbell without question is a leader on this team. Where I disagree with Dan is he saying Campbell has checked out. Even over the misery of the last few seasons he has ALWAYS played hard, showed up to camp in fantastic shape and has always been one of the hardest workers in practice.

And comparing Bourque to Campbell because it makes your argument sound better is laughable. Bourque is a top 5 NHL defenseman all time. No one in their right mind thinks Campbell is or ever will be. Why try making that comparison? Campbell doesn't have an attitude and a locker room cancer is the last thing he should be called.

Please someone regale me with a tale that's documented in fact of when Brian Campbell was a diva or a jackass in BUF, SJS or CHI?? I'd really like to hear that story.

And lastly "us average joes" DO IN FACT have the luxury of telling our bosses we aren't happy and want to make a move. It's called Monster.com.
- jacke1ope

People still use Monster.com? Here's the thing, man, he obviously wants out of Florida, or there wouldn't even be a discussion in the first place. No one just makes up these rumors. They usually start when a player expresses disinterest in a team to his agent and would like to be traded. That info is then relayed from the agent to other teams to see if there is a buyer. From there, the info is leaked out by those other teams and picked up by sports media. Then, we as fans, get the info. If he wasn't disinterested, we wouldn't even be talking right now.
You called us all out on not having proof of him being unhappy with the Panthers. How about you? You stated that " Campbell without question is a leader on this team." And "... he has ALWAYS played hard, showed up to camp in fantastic shape and has always been one of the hardest workers in practice." Are you in the locker room? Do you attend meetings in the front office, with the team or his agent? Do you go to training camp and every practice? Are you on the ice with him or have contact with Panthers players and personel? If you do, than I stand corrected, but I'm guessing you don't. So your points are in a sense just as inaccurate as ours (according to you becuase we have no "proof"). You're going on what you read and see just as much as us.
I don't see what you see in Campbell. When he was on the Hawks, he was an average defensemen, if that. His Paul Coffey-like attempts to go end-to-end often resulted in nothing, him being stripped of the puck and out of position. Moot of the time, a winger wasn't able to get back to cover in time becuase Campbell was taken off the puck so easily when he got low in the zone. He provided zero physical play (to be fair, most Hawks D don't either). But other teams came over the blue line with no fear of being taken off the puck. He is also totted to have one of the best, most accurate shots from the point, which, for some reason, he rarley used (http://forecaster.thehock...ws/hockey/player.php?1206)
Is he as good as you say or think he is? Or maybe you're basing everything off past years play? I think it's more the fact that he's on a smaller market team that doesn't have a ton of talent, so for that, he sticks out a little more. I think if he's on a power-house, he just blends in and then you'd really notice he's an average D man.

I've watched the Brian Campbell that has played every game, led the team in minutes played and has always been accountable with his teammates, coaches and the media. When "in so many words" did he state to Dale he's checked out? Links? Sources? Being unhappy and being unprofessional are two very different things. In fact Dale gas only been on record refuting the rumor that Campbell requested to be traded.
- jacke1ope

Alright, you're either Campbell or a super fan.

The hate Campbell gets is amazing.

The guy plays like 30 minutes a night being in the top three of the league on average for time. He has been trying to carry this poop team for two years almost by himself, and look who his partners were KUBA the worst defensemen I have ever seen! And Gilbert who wasn't as bad as Kuba, but was still pretty bad not that it was his fault he is a bottom pairing D trying to play top 2 minutes.

My point is get him a real partner, and I guarantee if we trade him we will be on our way to another top 3 pick again. Because look at our defense already it's not good, and then trade your #1 D? Yup makes a lot of sense...

The hate Campbell gets is amazing.

The guy plays like 30 minutes a night being in the top three of the league on average for time. He has been trying to carry this poop team for two years almost by himself, and look who his partners were KUBA the worst defensemen I have ever seen! And Gilbert who wasn't as bad as Kuba, but was still pretty bad not that it was his fault he is a bottom pairing D trying to play top 2 minutes.

My point is get him a real partner, and I guarantee if we trade him we will be on our way to another top 3 pick again. Because look at our defense already it's not good, and then trade your #1 D? Yup makes a lot of sense...
- Crazycaboose

I think that might be the problem though, Campbell isnt supposed to be a #1 D man, because he isnt that. Doesnt have the strong defensive ability to be a number 1.

The hate Campbell gets is amazing.

The guy plays like 30 minutes a night being in the top three of the league on average for time. He has been trying to carry this poop team for two years almost by himself, and look who his partners were KUBA the worst defensemen I have ever seen! And Gilbert who wasn't as bad as Kuba, but was still pretty bad not that it was his fault he is a bottom pairing D trying to play top 2 minutes.

My point is get him a real partner, and I guarantee if we trade him we will be on our way to another top 3 pick again. Because look at our defense already it's not good, and then trade your #1 D? Yup makes a lot of sense...
- Crazycaboose

lol Kuba

I think that might be the problem though, Campbell isnt supposed to be a #1 D man, because he isnt that. Doesnt have the strong defensive ability to be a number 1.
- BlazinMike

I agree. I know one of the arguments in this thread was that he logs 30 + minutes a night and that makes him a good D man, but just because you're conditioned and can rack up minutes doesn't mean you're a #1 D man. Would you rather have a guy that logs big minutes and has little impact or a guy that has less minutes and a far greater impact? Obviously, the second one. Also, that's a lot of wear on a dude in his mid-30's.

I've wanted Campbell on the kings but his contract is rediculous.


Wonder what he's worth in a trade from FLA?

I agree. I know one of the arguments in this thread was that he logs 30 + minutes a night and that makes him a good D man, but just because you're conditioned and can rack up minutes doesn't mean you're a #1 D man. Would you rather have a guy that logs big minutes and has little impact or a guy that has less minutes and a far greater impact? Obviously, the second one. Also, that's a lot of wear on a dude in his mid-30's.
- Hank3Henshaw

One thing that Campbell had a nack for in his Chicago days was absorbing big hits. Not taking them, and getting crushed, i mean having his head on a swivel and being prepared for the big hit and reacting correctly by either toning up and shouldering the guy back, or as soon as the impact came rising upwards to absorb it correctly.

Of course, even the best in the game get knocked around once in a while, but with Campbell specifically i remember him on multiple occasions avoiding disaster just by being aware that someone was coming to take his head off.

I've wanted Campbell on the kings but his contract is rediculous.


Wonder what he's worth in a trade from FLA?
- Shenanigans20

According to these panther fans, a bag of pucks

I've wanted Campbell on the kings but his contract is rediculous.


Wonder what he's worth in a trade from FLA?
- Shenanigans20

Most likely a first round pick, but that would still only hurt us and plus not many teams that could take his contract anyway.