Kämpf Released, Now a Free Agent After Unsuccessful NHL Waiver Claim
Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kämpf is now a free agent after going unclaimed on waivers and later agreeing to a contract termination with the team. The 30-year-old czech center was placed on waivers in early October following training camp and, when no team claimed him, was assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies where he played four games. Kämpf then stepped away from the Marlies in early November to consider his options, leading to a suspension without pay from Toronto.
Kämpf signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Maple Leafs in 2021 and has recorded 31 goals and 54 assists in 301 games for Toronto. While a return to Europe, with Sparta Prague among those expressing interest, is considered unlikely, Kämpf is now able to negotiate a new contract with any NHL team. Though, any new deal will almost certainly be for less money than the $1.5 million remaining on his terminated contract. He was able to retain the $1.325 million signing bonus already paid.
Several NHL teams are expected to show interest, with The Athletic naming Vancouver, Montreal, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh as potential destinations. Kämpf’s Olympic aspirations for the Czech Republic in February are also a factor, though a loan to a Czech team was previously deemed unfeasible by Toronto due to potential recall complications.
