The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed veteran forward David Kampf on waivers just days before the start of the regular season.
The 30-year-old center had spent the past four years with Toronto, recording five goals and 13 points in 59 games last season. Signed through 2027 with a $2.4 million AAV, Kampf’s contract may deter some teams, but he could still draw interest from clubs seeking depth down the middle.
David Kampf (TOR) on waivers
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) October 3, 2025
Maple Leafs Waive David Kampf Amid Roster Shuffle
The decision comes at an awkward time for Toronto, as Scott Laughton is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Kampf was expected to temporarily fill his fourth-line role in practice, but head coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving ultimately opted to risk losing him to waivers.
Should Kampf clear, the Leafs would gain $1.15 million in cap relief by assigning him to the AHL’s Marlies, though they would still carry $1.25 million in dead cap space.
David Kampf is on waivers.
Fun to look back on this electric goalpic.twitter.com/HLt5Ogts3W
— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) October 3, 2025
Toronto’s crowded forward group, featuring new additions like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli, likely pushed Kampf out of the picture.
With Calle Järnkrok a possible candidate to shift into the middle, the Leafs may already have their contingency plan.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images