Gregory Campbell Will Not Report To The AHL

Columbus center Gregory Campbell has decided not to report to Cleveland of the AHL after clearing waivers, his agent Pat Morris told Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.  Morris noted that he will continue to skate on his own but does not want to take away a position from a prospect in the minors.

As a result, the Blue Jackets are likely to suspend Campbell which means he will not collect his $1.3MM salary.  He’s in the second and final year of a two year contract that carries a cap hit of $1.5MM.

When asked, Morris also stated that Campbell has not requested a trade but that it is probably the best-case scenario for both sides:

“They’re going in a different direction in Columbus; I don’t think he’s wanted there.  They want to help Gregory out (with a trade), but he hasn’t made any demands. “He’s not kicking and screaming and demanding a trade, but I’ll keep calling teams, like I have been. And if somebody who plays like Gregory Campbell gets hurt, then Gregory Campbell will be ready if they need somebody like him in the organization.”

Last season, Campbell played in all 82 games for the Blue Jackets but recorded just three goals and eight assists, his lowest point total since 2006-07.  His faceoff percentage also took a notable dip from 54.2% down to 47.5% which isn’t ideal for a fourth line checking center.  William Karlsson is taking Campbell’s spot on the fourth line to start the season.

[Related: Blue Jackets Depth Chart]

In his career, the 32 year old has played in 803 career games with Florida, Boston, and Columbus, scoring 71 goals while adding 116 assists and 696 penalty minutes.

While Campbell will now wait at home to see what options become available, Morris added that he is not considering playing in Europe at this time, something that would either require a loan from the team or a contract termination.