Latest on David Kampf
Veteran center David Kampf has temporarily stepped away from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to reflect on his career and next steps. Over the summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs had tried to trade the 30-year-old but no deal materialized. Consequently, Kampf was placed on waivers during training camp and, after going unclaimed, was assigned to the Marlies.
This turn of events came as a surprise since general manager Brad Treliving had given Kampf a four-year, $9.6 million contract just two years earlier. The expectation was for him to remain a reliable fourth-line center, valued for his effectiveness in faceoffs and penalty killing.
However, under coach Craig Berube, Kampf’s responsibilities diminished, and several less expensive players have since taken over his former role. So far this season, Kampf has appeared in only four of Toronto’s seven AHL games and did not join the team for its road trip to Chicago.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the veteran “is taking a couple of days to consider his future.”
In the past few years, several players such as Conor Sheary, Brandon Saad, and Filip Zadina have chosen to step away from guaranteed money in pursuit of better NHL opportunities or a fresh start. Kampf could be weighing a comparable decision, though doing so would mean forgoing more than $3 million remaining from his salary and next season’s signing bonus.
Author’s Summary
David Kampf is re-evaluating his career after being waived and reassigned to the AHL, facing a possible departure despite a multi-million contract with Toronto.