What Now?: David Kampf Leaves Marlies… and Maybe the Maple Leafs

David Kampf’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains uncertain, as the forward has taken a step back to consider his options amid frustration over limited NHL opportunities. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines that Kampf did not join the Toronto Marlies on their AHL trip to Chicago and is unlikely to play in the next game as he evaluates his next move.

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Kampf, who has a $2.4 million US cap hit, has appeared in just four games with the Marlies since clearing waivers on October 3, recording a single assist. Over the 2025 offseason, it was clear the Maple Leafs were exploring trade options for Kampf, but no deal materialized, leaving the team and the player in a state of limbo. Recent reports were that the Leafs were willing to dump the player in a trade, just to get off his salary. Even that hasn’t led to a move.

Friedman drew comparisons to players such as Conor Sheary, Filip Zadina, and Brandon Saad, all of whom previously terminated contracts to find better NHL opportunities. While a similar path for Kampf is possible, Friedman notes that nothing is certain yet — a trade or termination could be on the table, but a buyout is unlikely.

Feels Like The Relationship Between Kampf and Maple Leafs Is Over

TSN’s Darren Dreger added that Toronto general manager Brad Treliving continues to explore ways to move Kampf and free up cap space, though no deal has been finalized. There’s always a chance the sides get back on the same page and he becomes a useful player on a struggling Leafs roster, but that seems to be growing farther and farther from reality.

Kampf’s frustration stems from being one of the final training camp cuts and not receiving a call-up despite early-season injuries on the Leafs’ roster.

“It’s very clear he wants to play in the NHL,” Friedman said. “He’s just taking some time because he’s frustrated right now.”

For the Maple Leafs, they appear ready to simply move on. Kampf isn’t in the cards for playing time with the NHL roster; they can’t seem to dump him, and Treliving doesn’t want to give up a sweetener to move him. The coming days may determine whether he remains in Toronto, gets traded, or seeks another path to continue his NHL career. If both sides agree to terminate the deal, Kampf can try his luck as a free agent, which might be the best-case scenario for everyone, even though the forward risks losing a solid paycheque in the deal.

Kampf Should Be Able to Find NHL Work

If he does become a UFA, it is possible a team will pick him up on the cheap. Justin Bourne of Sportsnet recently tweeted, “I just can’t make sense of the Kampf thing, particularly as Laughton’s been out. Isn’t physical which is maybe Berube’s thing but does everything you ask, wins draws, PKs, always right side of the play (and team is awful there right now). A good NHL depth C.”

If a team sees Kampf as a solid depth piece and isn’t looking for the grit, an inexpensive contract gives him the opportunity to earn a better deal this summer. Ironically, if Kampf is on the outs in Toronto because he’s not physical, what does that mean for other players on the team who have fallen well short in that aspect of their game as well?

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