Thirty-year-old checking center David Kämpf still has two years left on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, carrying a $2.4 million cap hit. However, he has not suited up for the team in recent weeks.
According to sources within the organization, his absence is unrelated to performance or attitude issues; it stems solely from salary cap constraints. While $2.4 million may appear reasonable, Toronto’s recent extension for Scott Laughton suggests Kämpf may not fit into the club’s future plans.
Reporter Jay has analyzed Kämpf’s role with the Maple Leafs in detail, so the focus now turns to which teams might pursue him if he chooses to terminate his contract and enter unrestricted free agency — a move that appears increasingly possible as Kämpf simply wants to get back on the ice.
“He’s actually a great story: undrafted, he carved out a solid role in Chicago over five seasons and played a major role in one of the greatest moments in Czech hockey history — when the hometown team captured gold at the 2024 World Championship.”
Should Kämpf reach a buyout or mutual termination with Toronto, the Boston Bruins are rumored to be among the teams keeping an eye on his situation.
A veteran center, Kämpf faces uncertain days in Toronto as cap pressures mount, and fans speculate whether Boston could become his next NHL home.