Maple Leafs Centre David Kampf Reflects on Future After AHL Demotion
Toronto Maple Leafs centre David Kampf is currently away from the team, considering his next steps following his demotion to the AHL. At 30 years old, Kampf was waived at the start of the season and assigned to the Toronto Marlies, where he appeared in four games and recorded one assist.
Uncertain Status Within Organization
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston noted on the "Insider Trading" podcast that a resolution regarding Kampf’s situation might be reached by the weekend. Johnston remarked:
“They’ve got a lot of forwards up and down the organization, and one whose status has been a little bit unclear in the last week is David Kampf. He’s been away from the Toronto Marlies, pondering his future, what he wants to do next. I’m told that could be coming to a resolution by this weekend. Could even see Kampf rejoin the Marlies. We’ll see what happens there.”
Contract and Career Background
- Kampf is in the third year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract with an average annual value of $2.4 million.
- Undrafted, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in May 2017 and spent four seasons there.
- He joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2021 on a two-year contract.
- After scoring 26 and 27 points in his first two seasons with Toronto, he signed a four-year extension in June 2023.
Recent Performance Challenges
Kampf struggled during the 2024-25 season, his first under new head coach Craig Berube. He scored five goals and totaled 13 points across 59 games while averaging a career-low 12 minutes and 24 seconds of ice time.
Summary: David Kampf is at a crossroads, closely evaluating his career after an AHL demotion amid performance issues and organizational uncertainty.