The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward David Kampf on waivers last week and subsequently assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Currently, the Leafs are carrying an excess of forwards, making it challenging to find a roster spot for Kampf. This situation has sparked growing tensions between Kampf and the organization.
NHL insider Darren Dreger discussed Kampf’s situation on Friday’s episode of the *First Up* podcast. Dreger affirmed that Kampf is an NHL-caliber player but noted he does not fit under the current coaching system led by Craig Berube.
“David Kampf is an NHL player. He is,” Dreger said. “Does he fit the eye of Craig Berube? He does not. He just doesn’t. And Toronto has 14 healthy forwards that need waivers. So what do you do? You’re stuck in a situation there.”
Dreger also mentioned that other NHL teams aren’t showing much interest in acquiring Kampf at the moment. However, he suggested that a future opportunity in the league is still possible.
“It’s too early in the season, not saying that he can’t find an NHL home outside of Toronto in the future, maybe near future,” Dreger added. “All it takes is a depth injury and a team that has some cap space, and away you go. That’s just not the reality for the Leafs right now.”
Currently, the Leafs’ options to create space for Kampf on their NHL roster are limited. While Kampf is reportedly unhappy playing in the AHL, Dreger said there isn’t much the Leafs can do about the situation.
Kampf is in the third season of a four-year, $9.6 million contract, carrying a cap hit of $2.4 million per year. He appeared in four games for the Marlies, registering one assist before leaving the team. According to PuckPedia, the Leafs have suspended him without pay due to him walking away from the Marlies.
Dreger also touched on the progression of Nick Robertson, who had been benched earlier but has since returned and is performing well this season with seven points in 13 games. He credited general manager Brad Treliving for his patience with Robertson.
Regarding Kampf, Dreger emphasized that teams do not simply give players away without compensation.
“The point of this is, you don’t just give players away,” Dreger explained. “If Brad Treliving could give him [Kampf] away without taking a bad contract back, obviously, he would do that. So yeah, there’s a bit of an issue there.”
Dreger confirmed that Kampf left the Marlies’ roster but noted reports suggest he may return soon.
On Thursday’s broadcast of *Insider Trading*, TSN’s Chris Johnston provided an update on Kampf’s status. Johnston shared that Kampf has been away as he contemplates his future and potential next steps in his career. There is speculation that Kampf might return to the Marlies this weekend, with a resolution possibly imminent.
“I’m told that could be coming to a resolution by this weekend,” Johnston said. “Could even see Kampf rejoin the Marlies. We’ll see what happens there.”
David Kampf did not make the Leafs’ NHL roster out of training camp this season — marking the first time since 2017 he missed opening night. Prior to joining Toronto in 2021, Kampf played four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, he recorded five goals and 13 points in 59 games and appeared in one playoff game.
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