NHL Trade Rumors: Elliotte Friedman reports strong market for David Kampf after Toronto Maple Leafs departure
David Kampf ’s sudden exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs has made him one of the most attractive free agents in the market almost instantly. The player had a contract worth $9.6 million, and Kampf walked away from the last leg, hoping to get his NHL career on track again. One more twist is that new head coach Craig Berube did not consider him a part of the lineup, which made him a depth player he did not want to be. However, within hours after his contract was terminated, many teams that have playoff aspirations have already come forward to check.
Elliotte Friedman declared on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the interest in Kampf has already come from three teams — the Vancouver Canucks , Pittsburgh Penguins , and the Montreal Canadiens , the latter being worth $3.3 billion. Vancouver has overtly expressed the need for a center, and Friedman mentioned that they might be the most proactive team. Pittsburgh was also very quickly in the mix, as the Penguins are in search of a disciplined bottom-six depth player. Yet Montreal’s interest came about when a concerning injury hit Alex Newhook, a moment Friedman referred to as an instant trigger for the Canadiens to get into the Kampf market. The player's availability is now a perfect alignment for the teams that have roster gaps and are hit by the injury bug.
What makes David Kampf a top target in NHL free agency?Kampf's choice was not only prolonged but also difficult, as finally, it was about “a better chance to play in the NHL.” This is the exact sentiment that led Leafs GM Brad Treliving to sign him to a deal that eventually became too pricey for his position. The termination of the contract not only gives Toronto more flexibility but also allows Kampf to take up a role that is determined by minutes and not money. The Dallas, Philadelphia, and Minnesota scenario is pretty straightforward: he adds to the lineup experience-wise, has strong defensive instincts, and can easily be placed in the third or fourth line to bolster it.
Toronto’s loss in David Kampf’s case is not going to be too long, as there are several teams with center depth issues, especially Montreal's Newhook injury scenario. A team that is going to be able to provide him with the same thing Toronto couldn’t—significant NHL minutes—will be his next destination.
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Elliotte Friedman declared on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the interest in Kampf has already come from three teams — the Vancouver Canucks , Pittsburgh Penguins , and the Montreal Canadiens , the latter being worth $3.3 billion. Vancouver has overtly expressed the need for a center, and Friedman mentioned that they might be the most proactive team. Pittsburgh was also very quickly in the mix, as the Penguins are in search of a disciplined bottom-six depth player. Yet Montreal’s interest came about when a concerning injury hit Alex Newhook, a moment Friedman referred to as an instant trigger for the Canadiens to get into the Kampf market. The player's availability is now a perfect alignment for the teams that have roster gaps and are hit by the injury bug.
Toronto’s loss in David Kampf’s case is not going to be too long, as there are several teams with center depth issues, especially Montreal's Newhook injury scenario. A team that is going to be able to provide him with the same thing Toronto couldn’t—significant NHL minutes—will be his next destination.
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