Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
According to a report from Elliotte Friedman, Maple Leafs veteran David Kampf refused to join the team on a recent road trip and may be traded shortly.
In that shakeup however, some were unfortunate casualties, and one of the main ones being veteran forward David Kampf. Waived to make room for other players and cap space, he’s been ineffective with the Marlies and has recently dealt with injury issues.
Toronto and their fans are certainly getting tired of Kampf and his lucrative deal weighing them down and they would love to get him off their books.
David Kampf Reportedly Frustrated With His Role in Toronto
According to Elliotte Friedman, so too does Kampf.
A new report from the insider during Hockey Night in Canada revealed that Kampf had refused to join the team on their latest road trip to Chicago, and he was frustrated with his playing time and lack of an NHL job:
With one assist in four games since clearing waivers, it’s clear no team wanted him for free, or at the time didn’t have enough space. There’s always a market for a defensively sound bottom-six center but at $2.4-million; it’s an incredibly steep price.
Kampf fell out of favor last season in the playoffs with Craig Berube, as the team couldn’t handle his lack of offense and minimal impact beyond some penalty killing.
The 30-year-old had 13 points in 59 games last season (5 goals, 8 assists) but was often a healthy scratch and dealt with injury issues as well.
This season the team brought in Nic Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua which means that not only did they beef their 3C and depth up, but with Scott Laughton still in tow (and cheaper) he is the new 4C — a position Kampf once held.
What the Maple Leafs Could Expect in Return if They Decide to Move Him
No one is going to overpay for a fourth-line depth center at that price, and the team would be lucky to get a late draft pick for him, but at this rate with the need to get the money off the books; take what you can get.
However, he could be part of a bigger package that might include someone like Nick Robertson (though he’s quickly playing his way into a consistent spot) or a prospect like William Villeneuve or Cade Webber.
They shouldn’t expect much, but there’s always injury issues and concerns around the league and teams will get themselves a reliable albeit minimally impactful veteran.
But if that’s worth the cost to them, it certainly is going to be for the Maple Leafs and if they can find an out for David Kampf, they should look at taking it any chance they get.
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Frustrated Maple Leafs Veteran Refuses AHL Assignment and Sparks Trade Speculation
Will Toronto be able to get rid of David Kampf?