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The Toronto Maple Leafs will be selecting 25th in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft on Thursday, but the big question facing GM Kyle Dubas is who will be patrolling between the pipes next season, since it seems less and less likely that Jack Campbell will be returning to Toronto next season.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman in the latest ’32 Thoughts’ podcast said that the Leafs continue to maintain the lines of communication with agent Kurt Overhardt, but that there is not a lot of progress or reason for optimism that the two sides are moving towards a new deal.
The difficult negotiations between the two sides stretches back to last summer, after Campbell played well taking over the starting duties from an injured Frederik Andersen. Toronto reportedly offered a three-year extension around $2.75 million per season, (which is consistent with salary for a tandem goalie) while Campbell’s side replied with an ask of longer term and higher AAV.
The Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils are rumored to be interested in signing the 30-year-old All-Star, but there appears to be a stalemate in the goalie market that will only be broken by someone making the first move.
Perhaps even a minor signing or deal will trigger the netminding domino effect. On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Casey DeSmith to a two-year, $3.6 million deal to backup Tristan Jarry. There have been rumors that the Pens were one possible destination for Marc-Andre Fleury.
The three-time Cup winner may consider returning to the Minnesota Wild, but there is also speculation that Colorado (if they are unable to re-sign Darcy Kuemper) and Toronto (if they do not re-sign Campbell) have interest.
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The Leafs announced their complete pre-season schedule on Tuesday, with seven games (four games at home and three games on the road) against Atlantic Division rivals Ottawa, Montreal, and Detroit. Toronto will play a split-squad doubleheader at home against the Sens on Saturday, September 24, and in Belleville, ON on Friday, September 30.
Schedule
Sat 9/24 – 2 pm, 7 pm vs. OTT at Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, ON)
(split-squad doubleheader)
Wed 9/28 – 7 pm vs. Montréal Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, ON)
Fri 9/30 – 7 pm ET at OTT (in Belleville, ON)
Mon 10/3 – 7 pm at MTL Bell Centre (Montréal, QC)
Fri 10/7 – 7:30 pm at DET Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, MI)
Sat 10/8 – 7 pm vs. DET Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, ON)
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Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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