Jack Campbell, the former NHL goaltender known for his time with the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 34. He is now focusing on a career as an identity and performance coach, a path he hopes will let him leverage the lessons learned on and off the ice.
A New Chapter Off the Ice
Campbell’s hockey journey began when the Dallas Stars selected him in the second round of the 2008 draft, making him the franchise’s highest‑drafted goaltender at the time. He spent four seasons in the Stars’ system before moving on to the Los Angeles Kings and later signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he established himself as a reliable backup.
In 2022 the Edmonton Oilers rewarded Campbell with a five‑year, $25 million contract, a deal that made him one of the league’s highest‑paid backup net‑minders. The agreement lasted only two seasons; after a series of performance setbacks, the Oilers bought out the remainder of his contract, ending his NHL tenure.
Following the buyout, Campbell entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in October 2024 to address mental‑health concerns that had been building throughout his career. The program provided him with counseling and support, but it also marked the end of his playing days in the league.
Helping Others Find Their Footing
Campbell’s story illustrates the transition from a highly touted prospect to a burned‑out backup, and his subsequent rise as a coach underscores the growing recognition of mental‑health support in hockey. He says he feels “doing well” in his new role and is committed to using his platform to foster resilience among players.