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Gregory Campbell won't report to Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate

Richard Mackson / Reuters

The Columbus Blue Jackets might be forced to suspend Gregory Campbell.

The veteran forward's agent, Pat Morris, said on Saturday that Campbell won't report to the AHL's Cleveland Monsters after being waived by the NHL club Tuesday, reports Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

"Gregory will not be reporting, no," Morris said. "He's going to continue to skate on his own and ponder his future, but he's not going to play in the American (Hockey) League and take a position away from a young player.

"He was a young player at one point in time, and older players didn't come in and take his position away. He doesn't want to do that."

Morris said Campbell is aware that if Blue Jackets suspend him, they won't be responsible for his $1.3-million salary. The agent also clarified his client hasn't demanded a trade.

"He's not kicking and screaming and demanding a trade, but I'll keep calling teams, like I have been. And if somebody who plays like Gregory Campbell gets hurt, then Gregory Campbell will be ready if they need somebody like him in the organization."

Morris said Campbell hasn't considered playing in Europe, and he's planning to go home to Kitchener, Ontario to continue skating on his own while he awaits word on his future.

The Blue Jackets signed Campbell to a two-year, $3-million deal on July 1, 2015. The 32-year-old registered only 11 points while racking up 78 penalty minutes in 82 games last season.

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