The relationship between the Toronto Maple Leafs and David Kampf has been slowly deteriorating over the past year, and it’s seemingly hit a boiling point.

Kampf didn’t make the Maple Leafs’ roster out of training camp, the first time he’s been omitted from an NHL opening night roster since 2017-18, and after being placed on (and clearing) waivers, he was sent to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Kampf initially reported to the AHL, where he put up a single assist in four games for the Marlies, but he’s since left the team, clearly frustrated about the lack of an opportunity in the NHL. According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs have subsequently suspended him without pay for leaving the team.

Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun confirmed the reports on Friday.

Early in Kampf’s tenure with the Maple Leafs, he established himself as somewhat of an unsung hero for the team at times. When he was put on a line with players like Pierre Engvall and Ilya Mikheyev, they focused exclusively on shutting down the opponents. He never did much to impress on the scoresheet, but he was a pivotal penalty killer for the team under former head coach Sheldon Keefe and contributed with some clutch goals every now and then, too.

Once Craig Berube took over, it was clear that there wasn’t the same element of trust between coach and player anymore. Kampf found himself on the bench more often in 2024-25, and he only appeared in one playoff game for the Maple Leafs last season. With the team re-vamping their bottom six with players like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, Scott Laughton, and Steven Lorentz, the team’s need for Kampf’s style of game diminished, and so did his playing time.

As the tweet from PuckPedia indicates, this situation shouldn’t last much longer. Ultimately, Kampf still believes that he’s an NHL player, but his time with the Maple Leafs has clearly come to an end, and the team doesn’t have a need for what he brings, and especially not at the cap hit attached to him.

TABLE Fare + Social is a vibrant food hall in the heart of Toronto’s financial district,
offering a unique dining and social experience just steps from transit and the
arena—perfect for pregame meals before tip-off. Open weekdays from 11am to 10pm,
TABLE serves up morning treats, creative eats, and lively after-work events. With a
private terrace overlooking Toronto’s elevated park, guests enjoy stunning views
alongside year-round programming that includes food tastings, cooking classes, live
music, and pop-up events designed to spark connection and creativity.
Follow along @Tablefood hall or tablefoodhall.com