The AHL is overflowing with new talent almost daily. Among the bright NHL hopefuls, are the lesser knowns. The men who, though not “super stars” in the eyes of the league, are indispensable to the growth of the organizations they represent. Colin Campbell of the Grand Rapids Griffins, is one of those players. With a mature understanding of his role and the game, Campbell has become a necessary asset to the Griffin’s special team’s function.

During his junior years, Campbell spent two seasons playing for the Vaughn Vipers. His time with the now decommissioned team could not have gone better in terms of production. Averaging 71 points in the two seasons with the Vipers, Colin gained the footing he needed to take on the college league. Hailing from Canada, Campbell didn’t stray too far from home upon reaching the collegiate level. Recruited by Richard Metro of Lake Superior State University, Campbell was given the opportunity to find his niche on a much grander scale than his former team could offer. “I had the privilege to recruit him to LSSU and he was a great kid who loved to play hockey,” said Metro, “He was a very good skater who made it look easy. He also was an extremely competitive kid and it was evident when he played.”

As a freshman, Colin skated in 37 of 39 games and tallied an impressive 56 shots on goal. Though finishing out the season with a -10 rating, Colin’s speed and agility were beginning to show. Not wasting any time to find his rhythm, Campbell’s sophomore year SOG (shots on goal) skyrocketed to immense 102 in 39 games. Finishing out the regular season with 25 points and a +3 rating, it was only a matter of time before Campbell caught someone’s eye. Colin was a commanding force on the special teams, earning him a tie for seventh in power-play points across the league according to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Junior year however, told a different tale for the young forward. Sidelined by an off-season injury, Colin’s season was put on hold. Showing immense confidence in Campbell, Metro had faith that he wouldn’t miss a beat, “I think if he would not have had the injury to his shoulder he would of been a much more dominant player early on in his college career but he had a great 4 years and was a great Laker.” Missing 30 of the meager 39 games played in the season, Campbell had to make up for lost time. Make up he did. His first three games back from injury, Campbell earned three assists, including one during his first game back. Unfortunately, playing only 9 games in the season doesn’t entirely make up for the lost time, but Campbell made his point.

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Much like many other players, Campbell takes the off-season as an opportunity to improve. Honing in on his time management skills following his junior year, Colin came back for his senior year ready to impress. The newly christened Alternate Captain did not disappoint. Colin lead the team in SOG at a staggering 150 and was placed second on the ‘13-’14 LSSU team for points with 29 in 36 games. This was the season the forward needed to gain his professional footing. Forcing the eyes of the NHL in his direction, Campbell earned an entry level draft agreement with the Detroit Red Wings, who placed him with the Griffins for the remainder of the AHL regular season. Beginning his AHL career late in the season, Campbell only skated in 13 games and tallied one goal.

Ice time with the Griffins is earned and Campbell was determined to do just that. Over the seasons that followed, Colin has transformed himself into one of the best penalty killers on the team. Campbell has since then, averaged 21 points per season and currently holds 27 for the 2017-2018 season. Taking advantage of the off-season as is his custom, Colin has worked incessantly on his biggest asset; speed. “Every summer I’m working on quicker feet.” Colin told WingsNation, “The game is getting faster and you have to keep trying to get faster to get better in this league or to get called up.” Though Campbell has yet to receive that call, his work ethic remains the same.

Adding to Campbell’s inspiring drive, is his ability to adapt. A calming presence in the room, Colin can almost be described as nonchalant, which makes him a pliable player. Pairing such a disposition with the equally quick feet and demeanor of line-mate Dominic Turgeon, Campbell has soared this season and has fully embraced his penalty-killer function, “I’ve played with Turgeon a lot this season and get a lot of ice time with him so we play really well together,” stated Colin.

His strong board play and smart penalty kill was frequently witnessed (and appreciated) during the Griffin’s 2016-2017 Calder Cup run. Whenever a penalty struck, there was Campbell. Often the first on the ice in odd-man situations, coach entrusted Campbell with the duty – and rightfully so. Colin’s ability along the boards, to trap and play the puck in any given situation, made him a critical piece on the PK during the playoffs. Many a critical penalty was killed due to Colin’s gift of puck protection. “I’m strong on the penalty kill, that’s my role,” stated Campbell when asked about his unique contribution to the team.

The contribution, however vital to the Griffins’ success, hasn’t seemed to spur on the suits in Detroit to give him a call. Having now spent almost four full regular seasons with the AHL, it makes one question why he keeps getting passed over when opportunity presents itself. For Colin, however, it’s not a topic of conversation he dwells on, “I just have to focus on playing well and when that time comes, if it does, I’ll be ready for it, but I don’t get down about it,” he told WingsNation. Colin sees showing his worth and ability year-over-year as his job and like a gent, expressed pride for his fellow teammates who have been given the chance.

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So then, why should Detroit give him more of a look? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Colin’s numbers and performance have been consistent in the last three seasons. Being a part of three consecutive playoff runs, a major factor in the penalty kill and offensive force of the Championship team and healthy 99% of the time makes Campbell a huge asset to the organization. Soupy, as the team calls him, shows a well-developed and mature offensive game while also capable of well-executed defensive plays. His speed and surety along the boards has been critical to keeping plays in motion and forcing opposing turnovers. He’s a clean hitter and has a fluid open-style of skating which enables him to move a lot quicker than most of his teammates. Detroit is seriously lacking defensive, offensive and everything-ensive (yes, I made that up) ability – especially in regards to their special teams. To be fair, the entire team has been lax and underwhelming this year, so a nice special team spark could be just what the Wing-Nuts need.

Also adding to Campbell’s list of assets is his overall nature. Noticed by Campbell’s former coach early on, Colin has only improved since college, “I think his biggest improvement was his play making ability” Richard Metro told WingsNation, “and making players around him better.” That may be a hint touchy-feeling for some, but having a guy in the locker room that plays well with others is kind of important. Detroit has created a gentleman’s style of hockey (with the exception of Witkowski). Campbell’s disposition and regard for his teammates would fit right in to the culture Detroit has made. Despite his glowing credentials and pretty puck handling, Detroit seems to see it fit to keep Campbell in Grand Rapids. Much like some of this fellow (older) teammates, Colin’s place seems that of more of a developer rather than the “being-developed” type of player. Detroit’s design for him may remain as that of a utility like Lashoff or Tangradi, to teach the younger future-Wings.

Grand Rapids will always have use for such a player as Colin Campbell however. He’s proven to be the difference between a win or loss on more than one occasion. His mature style of play is refreshing and resembles something like magic to watch. I’ve long thought numbers alone cannot give a player their value – you have to see them play to fully appreciate what the numbers can’t tell you. Campbell is not an insanely high scorer, he’s not aggressive (though he’ll throw down if he has to) and he’s probably the only guy on the Griffins with all of his original teeth. However, Colin is the man controlling the play and keeping it moving for the rest of the forwards. He gets his fair share of beautiful highlight-reel goals but Campbell’s biggest asset is his penalty kill ability which is always in high demand.

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Campbell will continue to be a valuable player for Grand Rapids, “taking it one season at a time,” as he puts it. Perhaps in time, he’ll get his well-deserved call-up. As for now, Colin will keep putting in the effort, time and energy like the rest, and develop those who Detroit has chosen. As a mature player on and off the ice, much can be expected from Campbell as the Griffins edge closer to their 7th consecutive playoff run.