David Kämpf Frustrated with Maple Leafs, Takes Break from Marlies
Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kämpf is reportedly frustrated with his current situation and has stepped away from the AHL's Toronto Marlies, creating a complex roster challenge for both the player and the team.
Current Status and Team Situation
During the Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Kämpf did not join the Marlies on their recent road trip. He explained:
“Kämpf has taken a couple of days to kind of think about his future. Obviously, he’s not playing with the Maple Leafs right now. He’s in a bit of a roster and salary cap crunch situation, and he got a little bit frustrated.”
Kämpf was placed on waivers before the season started and assigned to the Marlies after no other NHL team claimed the Czech forward. He is in the third year of a four-year contract with an annual cap hit of $2.4 million.
Salary Cap Implications
Due to NHL rules, the Leafs are still carrying $1.25 million of Kämpf’s salary on their cap. Clubs can only get a maximum of $1.15 million in cap relief for buried contracts in the 2025-26 season, which complicates the Leafs’ ability to manage the roster.
Implications for Player and Team
- The Leafs would likely prefer to trade Kämpf but have been unable to find a suitor.
- Kämpf appears to feel that he still deserves a spot in the NHL, leading to his frustration.
This situation remains challenging for both Kämpf and the Maple Leafs, reflecting the difficulties teams face managing salary caps and player expectations.
Author’s Summary
David Kämpf’s frustration with his tenuous Maple Leafs role highlights the challenges NHL teams face balancing roster moves and salary cap restrictions.