Kämpf Signs with Vancouver Canucks, Returns to NHL
Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Jan Kämpf to a one-year, $1.1 million contract, bringing the Czech player back to the NHL after a stint with Toronto‘s AHL affiliate. The move provides Vancouver with potential depth and addresses needs in faceoffs and offensive playmaking, according to the team’s coach.
Kämpf’s signing offers a fresh start for the veteran, who saw limited action this season while playing for Toronto’s farm team. The deal allows him to compete for a roster spot on a Canucks team currently 13th in the Western Conference with three consecutive losses, and keeps him in contention for a potential role with the Czech national team at the February Olympics.
The 34-year-old Kämpf had two years remaining on a four-year, $2.4 million per year contract with Toronto but played onyl four games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season. He agreed to a reduced salary of $1.1 million to join Vancouver.
throughout his NHL career, Kämpf has recorded 143 points (48 goals, 95 assists) in 536 games with Chicago and Toronto.Czech national team coach Radim Rulík believes Kämpf is “clearly an NHL player,” stating in October, “I thought he would play.”
