David Kämpf Steps Away from Toronto Marlies
Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kämpf is reportedly frustrated with his current situation and has taken a break from playing with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. This has created a complicated roster challenge for both the team and the player.
Details on Kämpf’s Situation
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, Kämpf was absent from the Marlies during their recent road trip. Friedman explained:
“Kämpf has taken a couple of days to kind of think about his future. Obviously, he's not playing with the Maple Leafs right now. He's in a bit of a roster and salary cap crunch situation, and he got a little bit frustrated.”
Contract and Cap Implications
Kämpf, a veteran forward from the Czech Republic, is in the third year of his four-year contract worth $2.4 million annually. Before the season started, he was placed on waivers and assigned to the Marlies after no other NHL team claimed him.
Due to NHL salary cap rules, the Leafs still carry $1.25 million of Kämpf’s cap hit on their NHL payroll, as the maximum cap relief allowed for buried contracts in 2025-26 is $1.15 million.
Impact on Team and Player
- The Leafs likely aimed to trade Kämpf to free cap space and roster flexibility.
- Kämpf probably feels he remains capable of playing in the NHL and is frustrated with the current circumstance.
- The situation represents a less-than-ideal outcome for both the player and the Maple Leafs organization.
Author’s summary: David Kämpf’s frustration with roster and salary cap issues has led him to pause playing with the Marlies, highlighting challenges the Maple Leafs face managing his contract and role.