NHL insider gives insight on escalating Maple Leafs-David Kampf situation as Toronto issue suspension without pay

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed David Kampf on waivers last month and sent him to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Currently, the team has too many forwards, and finding a roster spot for Kampf is difficult. However, this has led to tensions between the organisation and Kampf, which is still developing.

NHL insider Darren Dreger talked about David Kampf’s situation on Friday’s First Up podcast. Dreger said Kampf is an NHL player but not a fit under coach Craig Berube.

"David Kampf is an NHL player. He is," Dreger said. [4:05 onwards] "Does he fit the eye of Craig Berube? He does not. He just doesn't. And Toronto has 14 healthy forwards that need waivers. So what do you do? You're stuck in a situation there."

Dreger added that other teams are not showing much interest in Kampf right now. He said it is early in the season, and a future NHL chance is still possible.

"It's too early in the season, not saying that he can't find an NHL home outside of Toronto in the future, maybe near future," Dreger said. ".. all it takes is a depth injury and a team that has some cap space, and away you go. That's just not the reality for the Leafs right now."

Currently, the Leafs have limited options to make space for Kampf. Dreger mentioned that Kampf is unhappy playing in the AHL, but

"There's not much they (Leafs) can do. "

David Kampf is in the third season of a four-year, $9.6 million contract. His deal has a cap hit of $2.4 million per year. He played four games for the Marlies, recording one assist before leaving the team. And according to PuckPedia, the Leafs have suspended him without pay for walking away.

Dreger also talked about Nick Robertson, who has been benched in the past but returned and is playing well this season with 7 points in 13 games. He gave credit to general manager Brad Treliving for being patient with Robertson.

Dreger said teams cannot just give players away, and Treliving would move Kampf only if possible. Now, as per reports, David Kampf and his agent, JP Barry are exploring all of their options and will decide by Monday.

"The point of this is, you don't just give players away," Dreger said. "You know, ...if Brad Treliving could give him [Kampf] away without taking a bad contract back, obviously, he would do that. So yeah, there's a bit of an issue there."

Dreger confirmed that Kampf walked away from the Marlies, but said reports suggest Kampf may return soon.

Chris Johnston's update on David Kampf's situation

TSN insider Chris Johnston spoke about Kampf on Thursday’s broadcast of Insider Trading. Kampf has been away, thinking about his future and possible next steps. He reported that Kampf might return to the Marlies this weekend, and a resolution could come soon.

"I’m told that could be coming to a resolution by this weekend," Johnston said. "Could even see Kampf rejoin the Marlies. We’ll see what happens there.”

David Kampf did not make the NHL roster out of training camp this season. It was the first time since 2017 that he missed opening night. He played four seasons with Chicago before joining Toronto in 2021. He scored five goals and 13 points in 59 games last season, and also appeared in one playoff game.