3 potential free agent destinations for David Kampf

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has decided to set David Kampf free, and now the defensive-minded centre ponders his next move.

Kampf fell down the Leafs’ depth chart to end last season after head coach Craig Berube lost trust in Kampf’s ability to be a defensive stopper. He only played in one of the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup Playoff games to end last year, and it was obvious there were some decisions to be made at training camp. Kampf winds up on the outside looking in once camp breaks, gets demoted to the American Hockey League, and decides the bus rides are not for him. And, here we are.

The Maple Leafs terminated Kampf’s contract, ridding themselves of two more seasons at $2.4 million AAV. It was one of Brad Treliving’s worst moves as GM to extend Kampf shortly after he took over for Kyle Dubas, and while their relationship ends in a positive matter for the Leafs, Kampf’s lack of production has had serious implications on the Leafs’ organization.

So, where to now? Kampf’s an unrestricted free agent, he’s 30 years old, and with TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting that Kampf’s decision will likely come on Sunday, here are three teams who could wind up paying for the veteran’s services.

Montreal Canadiens

While the Canadiens have had a solid start to the season, posting a 10-5-2 record through their first 17 games, defensively, they could use some help. GM Kent Hughes has been in the market for a centre throughout the summer, and is rumored to be interested in some major moves to upgrade his roster up front. Kampf could be an under-the-radar type of addition for the Habs’ bottom six, which could help solidify their depth down the middle of the ice.

Kampf’s going to have to settle for a league minimum contract, so money isn’t an issue here at all. The Canadiens are very familiar with Kampf’s game, and his ability, when he’s on top of his game, to be a shut-down centre, kill penalties, and be defensively responsible in all three zones. It’s nothing flashy, that’s for sure, but when Kampf’s on he’s quietly effective.

Montreal ranks eighth worst in the league in goals allowed per game, and they’re a middle of the pack team when it comes to killing penalties, so it makes a ton of sense for Hughes to at least connect with Kampf to see if there’s interest joining the Maple Leafs’ rival.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are a team to watch in the Kampf sweepstakes as they lack organizational depth at centre. While it wouldn’t be a ‘sexy’ addition for Vancouver, it’s one that could have a solid impact on their fourth line.

The Canucks are dead last in the NHL, only killing off 66.1% of their penalties, and that’s certainly an area Kampf can be effective in, so it makes some sense for GM Patrik Allvin to contact Kampf about an NHL contract. Our colleagues at Canucks Army spoke about the potential of Kampf heading west and had this to say: