Maple Leafs Cut Ties with David Kampf
The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken the decisive step of placing forward David Kampf on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, according to multiple reports from NHL insiders. This dramatic move comes as the final chapter in the deteriorating relationship between the player and the hockey organization.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger broke the news on Thursday, confirming that the Maple Leafs intend to waive Kampf. If the 30-year-old clears waivers on Friday, he will become an unrestricted free agent and can immediately sign with any other NHL club that shows interest in his services.
The Breakdown Timeline
The situation between Kampf and the Maple Leafs has been escalating for several weeks. The organization had previously suspended the center without pay beginning November 2 after he left their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Kampf's current contract situation makes this development particularly significant. He is in the third year of a four-year, $9.6 million deal that carries an annual cap hit of $2.4 million. Before leaving the Marlies, he had only appeared in four AHL games this season, recording just one assist.
NHL insider Chris Johnston provided additional context, noting that Kampf has been away from the team contemplating his future and considering his next moves. The waiver placement appears to be the first step toward an unconditional contract termination that would allow both parties to go their separate ways.
Performance Struggles and Coaching Conflicts
The 2024-25 season proved challenging for David Kampf under new head coach Craig Berube. His statistical production dropped significantly, with only five goals and 13 points in 59 games while averaging a career-low 12:24 of ice time per game.
His playoff involvement was even more limited, appearing in just one postseason game - a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the second round.
According to insider reports, the core issue appears to be a fundamental mismatch between Kampf's playing style and Coach Berube's system. The veteran center reportedly isn't on the same page with Berube's approach, which has left him without a clearly defined role in Toronto's plans moving forward.
This contract termination process represents a stark turnaround for a player who signed a four-year extension with Toronto just in June 2023. The rapid deterioration of his relationship with the organization underscores how quickly circumstances can change in professional sports.
