David Kämpf Reportedly Frustrated With Maple Leafs Situation
Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kämpf is reportedly unhappy with his current status and has taken a short break from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The situation highlights a difficult roster and salary cap challenge for both the player and the team.
Current Situation
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Kämpf did not join the Marlies during their recent road trip. The veteran Czech forward, currently in the third year of his four-year contract, decided to step back and reflect on his future with the organization.
“Kämpf has taken a couple of days to kind of think about his future,” Friedman reported. “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’s contract carries a $2.4 million annual cap hit. Under league regulations, the Leafs continue to carry $1.25 million of that figure on their NHL salary cap because only $1.15 million of a buried contract can be relieved in the 2025–26 season.
Earlier this year, Kämpf was placed on waivers before the season started. After all 31 other NHL teams passed on claiming him, he was assigned to the Marlies. The arrangement appears to have contributed to his current dissatisfaction.
Outlook
While the Leafs may have preferred to move his contract, Kämpf likely believes he can still play regularly at the NHL level, adding tension to an already complicated roster picture.
Author’s Summary
David Kämpf’s temporary break underscores growing tension between the forward and Toronto’s management as roster limits and cap pressures strain their working relationship.