The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly considering parting ways with forward David Kampf, a move speculated upon by NHL insiders including former player Nick Kypreos. As the initial wave of NHL free agency settles, teams like the Maple Leafs continue to evaluate their rosters with an eye towards potential trades and signings during the remaining offseason period. Kypreos, in his analysis featured in the Toronto Star, suggests that Kampf, who currently holds a contract running through 2026 at $9.6 million, might no longer fit into Toronto’s strategic plans. Given the team’s current salary cap situation, which CapFriendly estimates exceeds their cap by $694,000, shedding Kampf’s contract could provide financial flexibility necessary for other roster adjustments.
Additionally, NHL insider Chris Johnston has indicated that Kampf is among several players the Maple Leafs could entertain moving in the right trade scenario. Johnston emphasized that such decisions are driven by Toronto’s cap constraints and the need to potentially restructure their forward lineup following the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi in free agency.
David Kampf, who primarily serves as the Maple Leafs’ fourth-line center and a pivotal penalty killer, contributes defensively despite experiencing a decline in faceoff proficiency during the previous season, with a percentage of just 50.9%. His defensive capabilities, however, remain highly valued within the team’s system. In the 2023-2024 season, Kampf tallied 19 points across 78 games, showcasing his reliability in a supporting role.
Kampf’s journey to the NHL began unconventionally, as he was undrafted until 2012 and signed his first NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017 after playing professionally in Europe. Following four seasons with the Blackhawks, Kampf joined the Maple Leafs on a two-year deal worth $3 million before extending his tenure with the team through his current contract extension.
the potential departure of David Kampf from the Toronto Maple Leafs underscores the pragmatic roster management decisions faced by NHL teams in navigating salary cap constraints and optimizing player roles. As discussions and trade speculations continue throughout the offseason, Kampf’s future with the Maple Leafs remains uncertain, pending further developments in the team’s strategic planning and roster adjustments.
