The Komets announced that they have chosen veteran defenseman Ed Campbell in the UHL waiver draft held today. Campbell, 31, is a 10-year pro and formerly skated with the Komets during the 1997-98 and 1998-99 IHL campaigns (96 games, 11g, 21a, 32pts, 284 pim).
The veteran defenseman has appeared in AHL stints with Binghamtom, Hartford, Worcester, Grand
Rapids, Providence, Hershey, Milwaukee, Bridgeport and Cleveland over a period of 9 seasons
(465gp, 15g, 87a, 102pts, 852pim).
``Eddie will be a fine addition to the Komets,'' head coach Greg Puhalski said. ``He'll miss game one in Rockford, but he'll have a big impact for us the rest of the series.''
Campbell must serve a one-game suspension issued by the UHL for an altercation in the final game of the season with Danbury.
``This also gives us the possibility of having him play here next year,'' Komets General Manager David Franke said. ``We just felt that of the players that were available that we could feel comfortable with him because we know him. We looked at getting another forward, but then we looked at Eddie and what he can bring to the club. He will help our defense even more with experience, leadership and grit.''
Campbell, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, started 2005-06 appearing in 12 games with Cleveland before joining the UHL's Danbury Trashers where he skated 29 games scoring 3 goals, 16 points while accumulating 132 penalty minutes.
Comments
This is a huge bonus to the team to get a veteran D-Man with AHL experience! Look for Ed to be very motivated to want to make a statement against Danbury if we face them in the next series.
Didn't Campbell pair with Guy while Ed was here before?
I like the addition of Ed to the team for the playoffs; however I am wondering why the Komets are going to be carrying 8 D-Men into the playoffs this puts them at 11 Forwards/Centers and 2 Goaltenders (this is assuming that Jeremy Koning plays). I would have wanted 12 Forwards, but I guess I understand the experience.
Shawn I am not sure if this was their thinking but it is much easier to have a defenceman move up and play forward as opposed to try to get a forward to drop back to defence in the event of an injury.
Look for Bozian move to a forward...
Or Lindsay
Actually, Soupy has played forward in the past as well.
Put him on a wing right next to the Big Snake and see how tough the Snake wants to be....or Tibbetts, or Watson....
If he stays at Defense then I think you see Lindsay being a healthy scratch
Gotta be careful who they scratch cause they msut dress 4 rookies. I doubt Lindsay will be a scratch....
Great move in get Soupy! The Frankes have done us proud! A no-nonsense guy that will stand up for his teammates is always welcome! Can't wait to see Campbell back in the Jungle! Yeah Baby!!!
Excellent move today. I think the mindset was bolster our strength which is our defense and St. Pierre. Picking up some grit is exactly what you need this time of the year. I just hope he can stay healthy.
Any word who picked up whom? I seen Quad City picked up 2 players I never heard of. Couldn't find any info on other signings.
ROUND 1
Roanoke Luke Sellars, D
Excellent pick-up....
Geez....was this the goon wire? Thanks for the post. Campbell was a steal.
Who is this new player named "Pass" Isn't that PC's new nickname?
ouch that's not very nice
I for one am not laying all the responsibility on Soupy. I will not fall in the trap that we fell in with Lance and Jorde. I know Soupy is a good player, but I will not be complaining when he doesn't score 6 goals and win 4 fights his first game here. I am sure he will make a good contribution, I just hope everyone doesn't jump on the negative bandwagon when he doesn't turn out to be the best hockey player in the history of the world.
Just remember that Campbell shattered his hand in a fight back in January. Probably still not the same. Wouldn't expect him to start any fights. Might end them though.
Did anyone notice that we got rid of Frawley?
I think it's a great pick up as well although i was surprised they did'nt get a forward. But having 8 D-men work because you can put one at forward and if one gets injured your okay with replacements. I don't expect to see Campbell fight too much or at least stat anything, I'm with Carl though and I think he'll jump in when necessary.
Unit- I think at least With Jorde we got him for who was unquestionably a fan favorite in Danny Stewart and i think most fans focused on Jorde to see if he was really worth it. I must admit I wasn't a huge jorde fan for a While but he has quitely won me over. Jorde's high +/- rating tells me he can handle himself in the defensive zone.
Actually I hear that he wants to get on the good side of Komet fans so before he gets onto the ice he is going to pick a fight with a parking lot attendant ;-)
Seriously not a bad pickup. A good veteran presence in the lockeroom.
I am not all too sure how I feel about having a waiver draft right before the playoffs. I can't think of another situation where you are allowed to shake up your roster after the season is over right before you go to the playoffs. I understand why it is done but it really is kind of strange.
Totally agreed there Greg!! Jorde has turned out to be a valuable player. That's why I'm being so cautious not to do the same thing with Soupy. Moving on: For all the bloggers who think they can run a franchise better that it is being run check this out:http://www.hockeyarena.net/hokej.php
It's free to play and basically you manage your own squad against other managers around the world. Pick up and cut players and basically every other aspect. I haven't signed up yet, but will be shortly. Let's see who the King of the Blog is!
Now, JC is reporting on his blog that Campbell isn't for sure? We'll know tonight? Whats that? Yesterday we were told that he gave a verbal commitment.. so is he backing down? Or was his "commitment" over-stated to fans?
I reported what I was told.
Not trying to hang you in town square, Blake. It just appears that someone was over-promising perhaps... Guess we'll see soon enough.