NHL Insider claims Maple Leafs to place David Kampf on waivers as contract termination looms

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to place forward David Kampf on waivers Thursday for termination of contract, as reported by TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. The move comes amid a breakdown in the relationship between Kämpf and the organization, with both sides exploring their options moving forward.

NHL Insider Dreger has also stated that if he clears waivers tomorrow, he can sign with another NHL club.Earlier, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed centre David Kampf on suspension without pay, marking a notable escalation in his standing with the organization. Reports have confirmed that the Maple Leafs have suspended the forward without pay since November 2 for leaving their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. As per reports, Kampf is now in the third year of his four-year, $9.6 million contract with a $2.4 million cap hit, and he has only participated in four AHL games this season, where he has only one assist credited before he left the team.

Maple Leafs centre David Kampf placed on waivers amidst his contract termination

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to place forward David Kampf on waivers for termination of his contract, as reported by NHL Insider Darren Dreger on Thursday. The Insider stated the same on his Twitter account and wrote, “Expect David Kampf to be placed on waivers today for termination of contract. So, if he clears waivers tomorrow, he can sign with another NHL club.”Reports suggest that the 30-year-old forward originally signed a four-year extension with Toronto in June 2023, though his role with the club has become increasingly uncertain this season.

He was assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, but reportedly left the team’s program, prompting the Leafs to suspend him without pay.

Meanwhile, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that Kampf has been away, thinking about his future and possible next steps. Sources indicate that placing Kampf on waivers is a step towards an unconditional contract termination that would allow both the player and club to part ways mutually or for the player to pursue opportunities elsewhere.As for his career, David Kampf struggled in 2024-25, his first under head coach Craig Berube. He scored five goals with 13 points in 59 games while averaging a career-low 12:24 of ice time. He skated in just one playoff game, a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the second round.However, things were not well between David Kampf and Berube. According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the veteran center isn’t on the same page with coach Craig Berube’s system, and that mismatch has left Kampf without a clear role in Toronto’s plans.Also read: What’s really happening between David Kampf and the Maple Leafs? Inside the rift | NHL News - The Times of India