Brian Campbell To Play In Chicago Or Retire Next Season

Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell hasn’t yet decided if he wants to play next season but if he does, it would only be with the Blackhawks, he told John Dietz of the Daily Herald:

“I don’t want to go anywhere else. One hundred percent. … I even mentioned to (general manager) Stan (Bowman) last summer — it would be a case of I’d like to come back here and I don’t see myself going anywhere (else). If I can keep playing and you still want me here, then I don’t plan on going anywhere else.”

This past summer, Campbell declined a sizable offer from Florida believed to be two years and a total of $8MM to take a one year deal worth a guaranteed $1.5MM from Chicago, plus another potential $750K in games played bonuses which he met when he played his tenth game of the season.  That said, he noted that money will still play a role in his decision for next season:

“…Money obviously plays a part in everything because you’ve got to want to get up and do your job every day and do it to the highest of your ability.

I’ve always said if it was for a lot less (than $2.25 million), I don’t think I would have made the sacrifice to come back here. … That’s where the money aspect comes in. You’ve got to get up and want to do it for what you’re being paid.”

Campbell’s numbers are down considerably this year as he has been asked to take on a lot less of a load than he had with the Panthers.  He has played in all 37 games this season (but may be scratched tonight, snapping a 423 game ironman streak, reports Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times), recording ten points (3-7-10).  However, his average ice time (18:59) is down more than three minutes per night compared to last season as he has settled into a role on the second pairing.

Finding a way to fit Campbell into Chicago’s payroll next season could be quite the challenge though, especially if he’s hoping for a contract somewhat close to the one he has right now.  Following the extension for Artemi Panarin, the Blackhawks already have over $66MM committed to just 15 players for next season, per CapFriendly.  That amount could increase depending on what their bonus overage is for this year as well.  Suffice it to say, if Campbell does decide to return for next season, he and Bowman may have a tough time finding a number that fits for both sides.