The Vancouver Canucks have signed centre David Kampf of Chomutov, Czech Republic. The terms of the  contract are for one year and $1.1 million. The signing by the Canucks of Kampf came on Saturday, one day after the Toronto Maple Leafs terminated his contract.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet, the Montreal Canadiens were very interested in Kampf  too. That is because of the Canadiens’s recent injuries to forwards Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach.
Who has Kampf played for in the NHL?
Kampf is joining his third National Hockey League team. He was previously with the Chicago Blackhawks for four seasons from 2017 to 2021, and then played an additional four seasons with the Maple Leafs from 2021 to 2025.
Why hasn’t Kampf played this season?
Kampf was put on waivers to begin the 2025-26 NHL season. When he was not initially claimed, the Maple Leafs sent him down to the American Hockey League to play for the Toronto Marlies. When Kampf decided not to join the Marlies on a road trip, he was suspended by the Maple Leafs, and placed on waivers again on Thursday. When no one claimed Kampf, the Maple Leafs terminated his contract. Coincidentally, the Maple Leafs claimed defenseman Troy Stetcher off waivers on Saturday from the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers needed to make a move with forward Zach Hyman returning to the lineup after a serious wrist injury suffered in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars.
Kampf in 2024-25
Kampf had five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 59 games. He was a -1 with 14 penalty minutes, two shorthanded points, 45 shots on goal, 278 faceoff wins, 26 blocked shots, 50 hits, 17 takeaways, and 30 giveaways.
Kampf’s two shorthanded points came in Maple Leafs wins. The first came in a 4-1 Toronto win over the Montreal Canadiens on November 9, 2024. The assist helped set up Mitch Marner of Markham, Ontario which put the Maple Leafs up 3-0 at the time. The second came in a 7-3 Maple Leafs win over the Canadiens on January 18, 2025. Kampf scored from Matthew Knies of Phoenix, Arizona with one minute and 34 seconds left in the third period to close out the scoring.
Canucks grade for the signing
We know Kampf can be a strong penalty killer from his days in Toronto. What we do not know is if he is a strong teammate. The verdict is out when it comes to that aspect. He has been given a second chance in Vancouver. My grade is a C-, as it appears Kampf is a significant risk.
