David Kampf is considering 'contract termination' after losing his Maple Leafs roster spot

The Toronto Maple Leafs and striker David Kampf are in a difficult situation. Kampf began the 2025-26 season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies after clearing waivers on Oct. 3. He played in 59 games last season with five goals and 13 points. Still, the Leafs didn't give him a chance this season.

on monday 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL Elliotte Friedman said Kampf is thinking about his future. Friedman said Kampf left the Marlies on Friday and did not play over the weekend, suggesting Kampf may be considering terminating his contract with Toronto.

“I don't know exactly what was said or what was said exactly, but the field left the players with the Marleys with the impression that they were going to terminate their contract,” Friedaman said. (from 19:30)

“Now, this has happened before in the NHL … So Kampf is aware of the possibility. Now I want to say this. Some people told me not to say definitively that this is going to happen, because there is a process.”

The reason David Kampf is placed on waivers is not for lack of talent. He has been a consistent bottom six offensive player. He only lost his spot in the NHL due to salary cap issues. The Leafs have been unable to fit his $2.4 million contract into the main roster.

Kampf wants to play in the NHL, not the AHL. Friedman said his frustration is understandable given the situation.

“The bottom line is he wants to play, and everybody understands he's out of Toronto's lineup not because he's not good enough to play, but because they can't fit his salary and his roster spot,” Friedaman said.

“So we'll see how that plays out over the next few days. I certainly understand his frustration. I certainly recognize what he wants to do. We'll see if the Maple Leafs trade him or trade somebody else to make room for him.”

Given that Kampf is in the third year of his 4-year, $9,600,000 contract, if he were to end his deal, he would lose about $4 million in salary. However, it could help him find another NHL team. So this opportunity comes with risk, and it's up to Kampf to decide which route to take.

Toronto's depth has been an obstacle for David Kampf

Toronto has reportedly been trying to trade David Kampf since the offseason, but has been unable to find a taker. The team's central depth is filled with John Tavares, Austin Matthews, Max DomiScott Laughton and Nicolas Roy. The Kampf fit isn't feasible for the Leafs, so both sides seem willing to find a way to move on.

The Maple Leafs have a 6-5-1 record and sit seventh in the Atlantic Division. They have struggled with defensive play early in the season, and the team is looking for better roster balance and stability. David Kampf's situation may change if Toronto makes a trade or creates salary cap space. But for now, his future with the Leafs remains uncertain.