After His Suspension, David Kampf's Situation Takes an Interesting Turn
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Suspended by the team for abandoning their AHL affiliate, David Kampf's future with the Maple Leafs is going to reach its conclusion, but the method is up for debate still.
News broke on Thursday that the Toronto Maple Leafs had suspended forward David Kampf from any hockey activities without pay while the team decides what to do with the veteran.
It was just another added layer to this entire saga, which started last season with several healthy scratches, then completely wiped out of the team's plans after acquiring names like Nic Roy.
Kampf Remains Suspended After Failing to Report to the Marlies
The suspension was due to Kampf's refusal to join the Toronto Marlies for a recent road trip while he stepped away to contemplate his future.
He's helping the team a bit by doing so as they don't have his cap hit affecting them right now, but things need to be sorted out one way or another and the debate is ongoing about what's best for all parties going forward.
Currently there is no indication that he is going to be back with any version of the team as of now, and it's going to take a lot of maneuvering for GM Brad Treliving to rid the team of his contract.
Three Possible Paths for Kampf and the Maple Leafs
There are really only three paths for Toronto and Kampf to follow when it comes to a resolution.
First, there's the obvious option which would be to facilitate a trade, however that's not that easy considering his price, and apparent locker room issues that have materialized since walking away.
You're adding a depth bottom-six piece who might be able to add you a bit of offense, but you're banking on a lot of hope. Kampf can kill you penalties and maybe give you 10-15 points but at $2.4-million that's expensive.
The second option is a contract termination, which would be best for both parties as it gives Kampf a chance to pursue a deal somewhere else, and let Toronto off the hook with a cheap way out.
However he is forfeiting a decent amount of salary in doing so, but if playing in the NHL means more to him than money, he'd more than likely jump at a cheaper chance to play.
The last solution is probably the worst-case scenario which is he just returns to the Marlies. Clearly he doesn't want to be there, and having no solution for him won't magically turn his opinions around.
Plus Toronto still has him on the books and has to deal with his buried cap hit, something they could use.
There seems to be no clear direction to the David Kampf situation, and the team has several avenues they can approach to get him out.
But they need to come up with some plan soon, as having him hang around is doing a lot more harm than good.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 7|998 ANSWERS After His Suspension, David Kampf's Situation Takes an Interesting Turn How will David Kampf's tenure end with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Contract Termination | 744 | 74.5 % |
| Traded | 179 | 17.9 % |
| Returns To Marlies | 50 | 5 % |
| Called Up To NHL | 25 | 2.5 % |
| List of polls | ||