NHL Rumors: David Kampf considering 'contract termination' after losing Maple Leafs roster spot

The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward David Kampf are in a tough situation. Kampf started the 2025-26 season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies after clearing waivers on October 3. He played 59 games last season with five goals and 13 points. Still, the Leafs did not give him a chance this season.

On Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said Kampf is thinking about his future. Friedman said Kampf left the Marlies on Friday and did not play over the weekend, and suggested that Kampf may be considering ending his contract with Toronto.

"I don't know exactly what was said or exactly what was told, but camp did leave players with the Marleys with the impression that he was going to terminate his contract," Friedaman said. [19:30 onwards]

"Now that has happened before in the NHL.... So Kampf is obviously aware of the possibility. Now I want to say this. I had some people say to me, don't definitively say that that is going to happen, because there is a process."

The reason behind David Kampf getting placed on waivers is not because of a lack of talent. He has been a steady bottom-six offensive player. He only lost his NHL spot due to salary cap issues. The Leafs have not been able to fit his $2.4 million contract on the main roster.

Kampf wants to play in the NHL, not the AHL. Friedman said his frustration is understandable given the situation.

"The bottom line is, he wants to play, and everybody understands that he's out of the Toronto lineup not because he's not good enough to play but because they can't fit his salary and roster spot in there," Friedaman said.

"So we'll see how this plays out over the next few days. I certainly understand his frustration. I certainly recognize what he wants to do. We'll see if the Maple Leafs trade him or they trade someone else to make room for him."

Considering Kampf is in his third year of his 4-year, $9,600,000 contract, if he ended his deal, he would lose about $4 million in salary. However, it could help him find another NHL team. So, that opportunity comes with a risk, and it is up to Kampf to decide which route he will take.

Toronto's depth has been a hurdle for David Kampf

According to reports, Toronto has tried to trade David Kampf since the offseason but found no takers. The team’s center depth is crowded with John Tavares, Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy. Kampf’s fit is not feasible for the Leafs, so both sides seem ready to find a way to move on.

The Maple Leafs hold a 6-5-1 record and sit seventh in the Atlantic Division. They have struggled with defensive play early in the season, and the team is looking for better balance and roster stability. David Kampf’s situation may change if Toronto makes a trade or creates salary space. But for now, his future with the Leafs remains uncertain.