Maple Leafs Facing Potential Contract Termination Decision From Player

Friedman emphasized that no final decision has been made yet, but acknowledged Kampf’s frustration with his situation.

“Kampf is obviously aware of the possibility,” Friedman said. “Now, I want to say this: I had some people say to me, 'Don't definitively say that that is going to happen, because there is a process.'”

Kampf’s four-year, $9.6 million contract runs through 2026–27, carrying a $2.4 million cap hit. Terminating the deal would cost him roughly $4 million in remaining salary but could allow him to seek a new NHL opportunity elsewhere.

“The bottom line is, he wants to play,” Friedman said. “Everybody understands he’s out of the Toronto lineup not because he’s not good enough to play, but because they can’t fit his salary and roster spot in there.”

The Leafs have $3.6 million in current cap space, but no open roster spots available for him. Toronto is exploring trades involving Kampf since the offseason but has found no takers, with centers John Tavares, Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy all ahead of Kampf on the depth chart.

“We'll see how this plays out over the next few days,” Friedman said. “I certainly understand his frustration. I certainly recognize what he wants to do. We'll see if the Maple Leafs trade him or they trade someone else to make room for him.”