The Toronto Maple Leafs have suspended forward David Kampf without pay following his departure from the Toronto Marlies, their AHL affiliate. The decision brought new attention to Kampf’s uncertain situation with the organization.
NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman has been following this story closely. Over the past week, he suggested that the situation might conclude with a contract termination between Kampf and the Maple Leafs.
“I don’t know exactly what was said… but Kampf did leave players with the Marlies with the impression that he was going to terminate his contract.”
According to Puckpedia, Kampf’s suspension removes his contract from the Maple Leafs’ salary cap while he remains out of the lineup. This saves the team approximately $1.25 million in cap space for the current season and $1.75 million for the next.
Sources indicate that the situation will likely end with a contract termination or, less likely, a trade. If terminated, both sides part ways cleanly – Kampf becomes a free agent able to sign elsewhere, and the Maple Leafs are relieved of his salary commitment.
The Maple Leafs’ decision to suspend David Kampf marks a turning point that could lead to either a contract termination or a trade, freeing both sides to move forward.