The Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf appears to be on his way out of Toronto. It is likely to be just a matter of time. The native of Jirkov, Czech Republic has not played a single game for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
Why has Kampf not played for the Leafs in 2025-26?
The answer to this question is simple. He was simply not good enough. As a result, the Maple Leafs demoted Kampf to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League to start the season.
Kampf has not played much at all for the Marlies. He has only played four games and has one assist for one point. In fact, Kampf did not even travel with the team on their road trip which began Sunday in Chicago against the Wolves. According to Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet, Kampf refused to join the Marlies as they traveled throughout the United States. In addition to playing in Chicago, the Marlies have six more games on their road trip. They play Wilkes-Barre Scranton on November 5, Hershey on November 7, Lehigh Valley on November 8, Grand Rapids on November 12 and 14, and Belleville on November 19.
Why did Kampf have a following out in Toronto?
According to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is not a fan of Kampf’s finesse game. Kampf has only had 19 assists in 137 games over the last two seasons with the Maple Leafs.
Solid in various areas
Kampf has traditionally been a very good penalty killer, respectable at faceoffs, has a physical presence and has an excellent takeaway/giveaway ratio. Kampf’s career faceoff winning percentage is 51.2%. He has 453 hits in 536 games, and has 243 career takeaways, compared to 140 giveaways.
Kampf’s contract status
Kampf has two more years left on his contract. He is set to make $2.4 million this season and $2.4 million in 2026-27. The bottom line is that the Maple Leafs cannot justify paying a player $2.4 million who is currently in the minor leagues, and not making regular contributions to the active roster.
Four years in Toronto
Kampf played four straight seasons in Toronto from 2021 to 2025. This was after four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2017 to 2021.
Where do the Maple Leafs currently sit in the standings?
Toronto is third in the Atlantic Division. They have a record of seven wins, five regulation losses and one loss in extra time for 15 points.
Update: The Maple Leafs terminated Kampf’s contract on November 14 and he signed a one year contract worth $1.1 million on November 15.
