Campbell on to new career in player development

The end of Gregory Campbell’s 11-year NHL career played out at the hands of the Blue Jackets last fall. He was the last cut of training camp, refused assignment to minorleague Cleveland, was suspended without pay for failing to report, and later put on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract.

But the Blue Jackets never said goodbye.

Campbell has joined the team as an assistant player development coach, working with Chris Clark (North America) and Jarkko Ruutu (Europe) to help foster the organization’s top prospects.

“I had a lot of time to think about things over the last six or seven months,” Campbell said. “I wasn’t ready to stop playing, but that’s how it ends for most guys, and when it happens, you’ve got to move on. I feel like I have a lot to offer, but I also have a lot to learn, too, and the management group here was willing to give me an opportunity that will let me experience different parts of the game.”

Campbell played all 82 games with the Blue Jackets during the 2015-16 season. It was a surprise, then, when unheralded minor-leaguer Lukas Sedlak beat him out for the final roster spot in training camp last fall. These things are never easy.

“He’s a proud professional,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “He took it extremely hard, but I met with him face to face, just out of respect for him and the career he’s had.”

Campbell and the Blue Jackets stayed in touch in the weeks that followed, often through Campbell’s agent, Pat Morris.

“They gave me the space I needed,” Campbell said. “But they also left a door open.”

After his contract was terminated in early December, Campbell agreed to play for Canada in the annual Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, allowing him to end his career on the ice and on a high note. Canada won the tournament. Soon after, the Blue Jackets started talking to Campbell about life after his playing days.

“I’m a big believer that when you recognize quality individuals, you try to find a role for them and bring them in,” Kekalainen said. “When you find somebody with extraordinary character, you make room for that in your organization.”

Campbell started in March and April with visits to eastern Canada, watching Pierre-Luc Dubois — the Blue Jackets' No. 3 overall pick last summer — play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs. He’ll be back in Columbus this month for the annual development camp.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished in my playing career,” said Campbell, who won the 2011 Stanley Cup with Boston. “I won’t ever be looked at as one of the greats, but I did everything I could to be the best player I could be. Nothing will be as much fun as playing, but there’s a lot more to hockey, and I’m learning that now. I’m excited to help young guys find their way.”