This could mark the start of the conclusion for David Kampf’s time in this role. Toronto Maple Leaf .
The checking center has recently been removed from Craig BerUBE’s lineup because of Scott Laughton’s addition, and with Max Domi is presently occupying the role of third-line center. After getting back together with Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann, Kampf no longer has a guaranteed position as the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach in about a month.
This season, Kampf has played in 52 games for the Maple Leafs, tallying four goals and ten points. His average ice time per game stands at 12 minutes and 25 seconds, marking his lowest since he began his career. With Laughton and Domi secured in contracts for the upcoming season, along with the likelihood of John Tavares potentially signing another deal with the team this summer, Kampf finds himself increasingly sidelined.
The 30-year-old player from Czechia still has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him an annual salary of $2.4 million. For the 2025-26 season, Kampf holds a 10-team no-trade clause; however, he does not have any such protections during the last year of his agreement in 2026-27. It remains unclear whether Treliving intended to trade Kampf prior to this season’s trade deadline since he could have been considered a potential “throw-in” option due to his cap hit and because the Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in discussing trades involving him.
As far as a buyout structure If General Manager Brad Treliving chose to proceed with this option during the summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs would face these salary cap impacts over the coming four seasons:
| Season | Kampf’s Cap Hit |
| 2025-2026 | $1,683,333 |
| 2026-2027 | $1,683,333 |
| 2027-2028 | $358,333 |
| 2028-29 | $358,333 |
It will ultimately depend on whether Treliving can secure a proper trading partner or utilize the off-season buyout option if the team wants to part ways with the experienced center. Naturally, any agreement should benefit Treliving, and he might show little interest in swapping Kampf unless additional incentives are included in the deal. Given the roughly $800,000 in potential salary-cap relief over the coming two years, if Treliving believes this funds could be more effectively allocated elsewhere within their roster, and Kampf no longer fits into the Maple Leafs' plans, then it wouldn’t be far-fetched to anticipate Toronto’s general manager severing connections with him.
Kampf last took the ice on March 13 against the Florida Panthers, logging just 8 minutes and 41 seconds of playing time against their Atlantic Division foes. Berube has been seeking improvements. more of an identity Recently, the Maple Leafs' fourth line has seen some changes, with Scott Laughton taking over Kampf’s position. Laughton brings a stronger physical element and greater offensive potential to the team. At this point, it seems like he will remain in that role for the foreseeable future.
As we approach the end of the 2024-25 season, the Maple Leafs seem to have found their stride. They're demonstrating greater intensity, Berube has expressed satisfaction with their efforts, and he currently sees no reason to alter his successful roster. This places Kampf in a difficult position; he finds himself sidelined for now and might become an unrestricted free agent come summertime, since the team may opt for a new direction during the next off-season.
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