Jack Campbell Recall Speaks Volumes on His Progression, Place in Org

Jack Campbell (Credit: Josh Rasmussen/Texas Stars)

In the Dallas Stars' 4-1 trouncing of the Winnipeg Jets last night, goalie Kari Lehtonen sustained a lower body injury. That necessitated the call up of a goalie from Cedar Park. This time last year, that call goes to Cristopher Nilstorp. This time, it was Jack Campbell.

Campbell won't start tonight. Due to the back to back, Dan Ellis was already slated to man the pipes for Dallas in Minneapolis. However the fact that he got the call speaks volumes on where he is in his development. It might also speak volumes about where Nilstorp is after a disappointing outing on Sunday against Rockford.

It was the tale of two tenders last weekend, and Campbell won out. He looked rock solid with just one getting past him. It was deflection that he really couldn't do a lot about. Nilstorp was a little out of position much of the night, over-committing to some shots and not tracking others well at all. In Dallas, Nilstorp didn't sparkle quite as well in preseason either.

Coach Desjardins has said that he prefers to have a number one tender and all but explicitly stated that Campbell has the opportunity to grab it this season. Lehtonen is day-to-day, so Campbell probably won't get a start. However, it is a good indication of where the organization thinks he is that he got called.

Josh Robinson was recalled from Idaho to backup Nilstorp in Texas.