Thirty-year-old checking center David Kämpf currently has two years left on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, carrying a $2.4 million cap hit. However, he has not appeared in games for the team recently.
Sources close to the organization clarify that his absence is unrelated to his performance or attitude, but is purely due to salary cap constraints. Though $2.4 million might seem reasonable initially, Toronto's recent extension of Scott Laughton suggests Kämpf may not be part of their long-term roster plans.
Kämpf is reportedly considering terminating his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, motivated by a strong desire to play regularly. This possibility is gaining traction as he seeks new opportunities.
Kämpf's story is notable: undrafted, he established a reliable role during five seasons in Chicago. Additionally, he played a key part in Czech hockey history when the national team won gold at the 2024 World Championship.
"People around the organization insist his absence has nothing to do with performance or attitude — only the cap situation."
"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."
Author's Summary: David Kämpf looks poised to end his Toronto contract amid cap struggles, seeking new opportunities to continue his solid NHL career and build on his international success.