Thirty-year-old checking center David Kämpf currently has two years left on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, with a $2.4 million cap hit. Despite this, he has not been playing for the team recently.
Sources close to the organization confirm that his absence is not due to performance or attitude issues, but rather the team's salary cap situation. While $2.4 million might seem reasonable, the Maple Leafs' decision to extend Scott Laughton indicated Kämpf was unlikely to be part of their long-term plans.
David Kämpf is reportedly considering terminating his contract to become an unrestricted free agent because he wants to continue playing. This move appears increasingly possible as he seeks opportunities elsewhere.
"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."
Our Leafs analyst Jay has explored Kämpf's fit in Toronto in more detail, while here the focus is on which teams might pursue him if he enters free agency.
Summary: David Kämpf seeks to terminate his contract with the Maple Leafs due to cap constraints and aims to continue his career elsewhere, following a successful tenure in Chicago and notable international achievements.