Former Maple Leaf David Kampf Heads Overseas
Nine-year NHL veteran David Kampf, with no apparent takers in unrestricted free agency on this side of the pond, has decided to head to his homeland. He's signed a three-year deal with HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga, according to the team's website.
David Kämpf has signed with HC Litvínov in Czechia after playing 576 NHL games.
— Honza Zoufal (@HZoufal) July 7, 2026
The former #hawks, #Leafsforever, #Canucks and #Allcaps player proved that even an undrafted player can carve out a solid NHL career.
Kampf is a defensive specialist, a checking forward who also plays the penalty kill.
The 31-year-old split his 2025-26 season between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals and had two goals and six points in 40 games. Kampf's rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres back before the Draft in June as part of the Alex Tuch sign-and-trade, but Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen didn't have any intent of signing the pending UFA.
Kampf said playing in the NHL had become a chore for him, and he didn't enjoy it anymore. He's looking forward to being home again.
"I've been thinking about returning to the Czech Republic for a long time. It was nine demanding years overseas. I felt that the time had come to return home and find a team near where I live," Kampf said.
"In the NHL, it's been more of a job for me in recent years, I didn't really enjoy hockey. I'm looking forward to getting more space here, gaining new momentum and having fun with hockey again."
Kampf reached double-digits in goals once in his career, with 11 in his first of four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021-22. In 576 NHL games, he totaled 50 goals and 149 points
"This is a huge boost for us and great news not only for Litvínov, but for the entire Extraliga. Acquiring a player of David's stature, who is coming from the NHL in his prime, is extremely valuable for us. David is a complex forward, leader and professional who will immediately raise the quality of our team to a completely different level. We are thrilled that he has decided to link his future with us," said the club's chairman of the board, Jiří Šlégr.
