Maple Leafs Finalizing Kampf Split; Multiple Teams Eye Veteran

One of the more dramatic developments this week is the status of veteran forward David Kampf and the team’s desire to place him on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract. Kampf, suspended without pay after refusing to report to the AHL Toronto Marlies, will hit free agency on Friday.

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Darren Dreger reports that once he clears and the contract is terminated, the list will be longer than most anticipated for the player.

Apparently, interest is already strong. The Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks are among the early suitors. “The Canucks have a rash of injuries,” says Dreger. He also suggested the Penguins seem to have an eager interest.

“These are teams that I believe, on Friday, will at least check in to see if there’s a fit.”

The Maple Leafs Can Finally Move On From the Kampf Situation

This isn’t how the organization probably wanted things to end, and there was no update on the signing bonus situation, but it does appear the organization and the player can finally move on. Once the contract is terminated, there will be no money owing to the player, and he’s off their books in terms of the salary cap.

This is one of those “right move, wrong path to get there” moments. Kampf will land somewhere quickly. The Leafs must now patch holes while Auston Matthews heals.

Next: The Auston Matthews Problem the Maple Leafs Didn’t See Coming