Another Canadian Team Wanted Ex-Maple Leaf David Kampf Before Signing With Canucks
Former Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf became an unrestricted free agent on Friday following his clearing of unconditional waivers and having his contract terminated. And while the Vancouver Canucks were able to sign him to a one-year deal, it appears that another Canadian rival was also interested in signing the veteran center.
According to Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, the Montreal Canadiens made an effort as well, but the Canucks were the frontrunners all the way, with their dire need down the middle.
I think this was the outcome that everybody expected—That Vancouver, the team that had the most need for a center and the most interest, got him. I do think that Montreal, after Alex Newhook got injured in that brutal ankle injury… made a pitch (for Kampf), but it was going to be tough for anybody to beat Vancouver. I think the Canucks had the most need, and the most determination to get him.
Kampf was only in the third season of a four-year, $9.6 million contract with the Leafs, at a $2.4 million cap hit. With his role on the team reduced to next to nothing by the end of last season, and an assignment to the Marlies of the AHL to start the 2025-26 campaign, it was only a matter of time before the 6’2” center was bound for a new organization.
Kampf takes big pay cut in signing with Canucks
His new deal with Vancouver pays him less than half of his previous AAV, but at least he has himself a clear role back in the NHL, which is what he really wanted. The Canucks were desperate for help at the pivot, with Filip Chytil out indefinitely and a severe lack of depth at the position. Vancouver’s penalty killing unit was also the worst in the league, and Kampf will be a big help there as well.
After being waived by the Leafs at the beginning of the season, he cleared waivers and was assigned to the AHL, where he appeared in four games with the Marlies this season, recording one assist. Those were the first games he’s played in the minors in eight years, since becoming a regular in the NHL. He had five goals and 13 points in 59 games with the Maple Leafs last season, and
has 48 goals and 143 points in 536 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Maple Leafs.
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