Thirty-year-old checking center David Kämpf still has two years left on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs at a $2.4 million cap hit. However, he has not appeared in the lineup for some time. Sources within the organization emphasize that his absence is related to salary cap management rather than performance or attitude.
Although $2.4 million may seem reasonable, Toronto's recent extension of Scott Laughton suggests Kämpf may not fit into the team’s long-term strategy. Our Leafs reporter, Jay, has explored Kämpf’s positioning with Toronto in depth, so here the focus shifts to potential destinations should he choose to terminate his contract and test free agency — a possibility that appears to be growing as Kämpf seeks regular ice time.
Kämpf’s journey is remarkable: undrafted, he built a strong presence over five seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and later contributed to a defining moment in Czech hockey history when the national team claimed gold at the 2024 World Championship.
“His absence from the roster has nothing to do with performance or attitude — only the cap situation.”
If Kämpf and the organization agree to part ways, the Boston Bruins have been mentioned among the teams that could pursue him, seeking a seasoned, defensively responsible forward.
Author’s Summary: Kämpf’s future with Toronto appears uncertain as cap constraints push him towards potential free agency and renewed opportunity elsewhere.