By William Espy
Filling the hole left in the hearts of Blue Jackets fans by
Mark Letestu will be difficult, especially because of his mutual desire to stay
in the organization. Gregory Campbell will be the one faced with this difficult
task. Hours after Letestu signed a three year deal with Edmonton on July 1,
Jarmo Kekalainen announced the signing of the hard hitting, gritty fourth line
center. “Soupy’s” description seems to perfectly fit his former team, the
Boston Bruins.
This offseason, the Blue Jackets went from zero former
Stanley Cup winners to two. Campbell, who had won the Cup in 2011 with the
Bruins (and also had played a massive role on neutralizing the Canucks’ power
play) and Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks were the most notable acquisitions
this offseason. Campbell is mostly remembered by fans league-wide for blocking
a slapshot from Evgeni Malkin in the 2013 Eastern Conference Final that
fractured his right fibula while on a crucial penalty kill. He heroically would
play over a minute and finish his shift on one leg, and ultimately help the
Bruins to win the game 2-1 in double overtime.
The first look at Campbell’s stats will not impress even the
most optimistic fan, however he brings more to a team than can be shown on a
piece of paper (or in the modern age a computer screen). Campbell brings
experience and leadership to a young Blue Jackets corps, as well as a large
defensive presence on the fourth line. He will never be confused with a first liner;
however his work in the community will quickly create a place in fans’ hearts
for him.
ROLE: 4TH
LINE CENTER
Since he was only recently required, a market status for him
would appear to be inappropriate. Campbell will likely be a very underrated part
of a Jackets team that is ready and hungry for success. He will likely be a
mainstay on the fourth line for the next two years at the very least.
No comments:
Post a Comment