BUFFALO -- After six years, the Jack Campbell experiment in Dallas is over.
Campbell, the 11th overall pick in 2010, has been sent to Los Angeles in exchange for defenseman Nick Ebert, the Kings announced on Saturday.
Once a highly touted prospect out of OHL Windsor, Campbell was the first goalie off the board in his draft year, and taken ahead of the likes of Cam Fowler, Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko.
Upon taking him, then-Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said Campbell was “the kid that we feel has the best chance to be a franchise player,” adding, "[he] was our guy, right from the start.”
Campbell, now 24, has spent almost all of his pro career in the AHL and ECHL, appearing in just one game for the Stars. He’s struggled to maintain consistent form, and actually played more games for ECHL Idaho last year than he did for AHL Texas.
A pending RFA, Campbell could theoretically challenge for the backup gig in L.A., which looks like it’ll be vacant as Jhonas Enroth preps for free agency.
But it’s more likely Campbell will be back in the minors next season, looking to get his game on track.
Jack needed change. Was never going to happen for him here. Talented guy. Was best goalie his age on planet in late teens. Hope he finds it.
— Daryl Reaugh (@Razor5Hole) June 25, 2016