Latest on David Kampf
Veteran center David Kampf has temporarily stepped away from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to consider his next career move. Earlier this offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs explored potential trade options for Kampf, but no deal materialized.
As a result, he was placed on waivers during training camp and, after going unclaimed, was assigned to AHL Toronto. This outcome came as a surprise given that General Manager Brad Treliving had signed the 30-year-old to a four-year, $9.6 million contract just over two years ago.
The original expectation was for Kampf to continue anchoring the team’s fourth line, contributing reliable faceoff performance and penalty-killing strength. However, under head coach Craig Berube, his ice time decreased, and less expensive forwards have since filled his position.
So far this season, Kampf has appeared in only four of seven games for the Marlies. He did not dress for the team’s road matchup in Chicago.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the veteran forward is "taking a couple of days to think about his future."
In recent years, several players—such as Conor Sheary, Brandon Saad, and Filip Zadina—have walked away from guaranteed contracts in pursuit of a better NHL opportunity or a return to the big league. Kampf may be contemplating a similar decision, which could mean relinquishing more than $3 million owed to him over this season and the next, including his signing bonus.
Author’s Summary
David Kampf is reassessing his career after losing his spot with the Maple Leafs, possibly considering giving up guaranteed money to revive his NHL prospects.