After a turbulent period with the Toronto Maple Leafs, veteran centre David Kampf has found a new NHL home. The 30-year-old Czech forward signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday worth $1.1 million US, ending his unexpected unemployment after the Leafs terminated his previous deal.
From Toronto's Fourth Line to Vancouver's Roster
The transition marks a significant shift for Kampf, who became expendable in Toronto's plans following training camp. The Maple Leafs had demoted him and subsequently suspended him when he declined to join the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies on a road trip. This development culminated on Friday when Kampf cleared waivers, allowing Toronto to terminate the four-year contract originally signed in 2023 that carried an average annual value of $2.4 million.
That contract had drawn scrutiny from the beginning, appearing excessive for a fourth-line centre. The situation became increasingly untenable when new coach Craig Berube utilized Kampf in just one playoff game last season, creating an awkward position for both player and organization as they attempted to facilitate a trade.
Changing Dynamics in Toronto and Vancouver
Kampf's role diminished further when the Maple Leafs acquired centres Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy last March. Toronto's current centre depth has been tested recently with both Laughton and superstar Auston Matthews sidelined by injuries, though the team had clearly moved on from Kampf.
After four games with the Marlies and no trade materializing, Kampf made the decision to remain home and consider his future until the Leafs pursued contract termination. Throughout his NHL career, Kampf has recorded 143 points across 536 regular-season games, adding seven points in playoff contests. He spent four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks before his four-year tenure in Toronto.
Both the Canucks and Maple Leafs are attempting to correct early-season struggles, and Vancouver sees value in Kampf's specific skill set. Standing 6-foot-2, he has built a reputation as a reliable faceoff specialist both at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill, attributes that could provide stability to Vancouver's lineup as they seek to regain momentum.
