Buffalo Sabres Draft Steal #13

We are drawing even closer to the day of the NHL draft and today we will talk about a player that many Sabres fans are extremely familiar with.  It's unfortunate that he had to be let go but it's important to note that he will probably never be able to live up to the contract he is expected to sign this off-season.

Brian Campbell- 1997 (6th round, #156 overall)

Campbell came to the Sabres with huge expectations after playing four seasons with the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League.  It took a Campbell a long time to develop at the NHL level after five season it was unclear what his future was.  After the NHL lockout he had his best season until that point of his career.  He 12 goals and 32 assists for 44 points that season.  The 12 goals is still a career high for him.

This past season was a great season for Campbell who was playing out the last year of a contract with the Buffalo Sabres.  The contract negotiations stalled and he was eventually sent to San Jose in return for Steve Bernier and a first round draft selection.  While with the Sabres Campbell put up good numbers, playing in 63 games and scoring five goals and 38 assists for 43 points.  After the trade he scored three goals and had 16 assists in 20 games.

Campbell is an unrestricted free agent and he has made no indication where he will play next season.  I'm sure as we get closer to the July 1 deadline we will hear more regarding his intentions.  The San Jose Sharks have publicly stated they would like to sign him but he seems intent on exploring the market.  I like Campbell as a player but I expect that he will get similar money to Dion Phanuef and Dan Boyle and I don't think he is worth that type of money.