As the last night was dwindling down after a 4-1 ransacking at hand from the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit fans found themselves a bit… Well, you know. Tired? Hurt? Hopeless? The list could go on and on. There’s no hiding it, people.. This season sucks. Our team has been decimated by injuries at practically every position. During the game last night, a tweet was released about a UFA signing from the Detroit Red Wings:
Congratulations @ColinCampbell11 on signing 2-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings organization! #LakerPride
— Laker Hockey (@LakeStateHockey) March 17, 2014
Who? What? HUH..? Colin Campbell is a 22 year old, 6’1″ 203-pound power forward winger from Ontario, Canada who has one of those highly elusive right-hand shots. He seems to be one of those forwards who moves the puck using his strength. DJ Powers from Hockey’s Future had Colin among the top collegiate free agents available to be signed by NHL teams. Here is what he had to say:
After missing much of his junior campaign last season due to injury, Campbell has bounced back and been an impact player this season. The Pickering, ON native ranks second on the team with 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 36 games to date. His 14 goals and three game-winners both lead Lake Superior State.
Campbell is a sturdy 6’1″, 203-pound power forward who is especially strong on the puck. One attribute that has gotten the attention of scouts is Campbell’s sheer strength. Simply put, he’s very difficult to move off of the puck. Campbell uses his powerful frame and tenacity advantageously along the walls and in front of the net, and is also very good cycling the puck. Many of Campbell’s goals aren’t of the pretty variety, but instead come as a result of hard work and relentless battles for loose pucks. He also uses his strength effectively in protecting the puck and maintaining possession. His strength, great play in tight areas and physicality allow him to excel in the muck-and-grind game.
Colin Campbell among top NCAA free agents – Hockey’s Future
I personally do not know much about Colin, but oddly enough I have seen him play before. I saw him play in the 2012 CCHA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament against our very own Danny DeKeyser and his Western Michigan University hockey team. Obviously at the time, I really had no idea who Campbell was, but looking back at the box score, he scored in both games. Western Michigan eliminated Lake Superior State to eventually beat the University of Michigan in the final round.
Colin ended his NCAA career with 27 goals and 37 assists in 119 games. He missed 30 games in his Junior year while recovering from an off-season surgery.. So take that into account. He’s coming off of a career best 14 goals and 15 assists in his 2013-2014 senior year. Colin wore an alternate patch for his final season, which gives us an indication that he was a leader in his group… Funny this signing happens, because I was tweeting not just a few days ago about how Detroit should look into acquiring more players from the NCAA. This signing pleases me.
So what’s to become of our newly acquired power-forward in Colin Campbell? According to Chuck Pleiness, his NHL contract won’t begin until the 2014-2015 season, where he will likely start in Grand Rapids.
Wings ink prospect | Red Wings Front
