David Kampf might be the prime candidate among the Toronto Maple Leafs forwards to be traded before the NHL Trade Deadline. His salary cap hit presents an opportunity for the Maple Leafs to reallocate funds, particularly towards bolstering their defense. When general manager Brad Treliving extended Kampf’s contract for four years, it left many in Leafs Nation puzzled. However, with the benefit of hindsight, there’s a chance to rectify this move by shedding Kampf’s $2.4 million cap hit over the next three seasons.
There are several options within the team’s bottom six forwards who could step up to replace him, but Pontus Holmberg emerges as the most probable candidate. While not as proficient in face-offs as Kampf, Holmberg could fill his role while costing $1.6 million less against the cap. This provides additional incentive for upper management to explore trading Kampf before the March 8, 2024 deadline.
Here, we’ll examine two potential destinations for Kampf if he becomes available.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres could benefit from injecting some veteran presence into their lineup. As a relatively young team that has fallen short of expectations this season, a change in the mix might be just what they need. While they currently have Zemgus Girgensons fulfilling a defensive role, his contract is expiring. On the other hand, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a player, Kampf, who could offer defensive support to the Sabres. Although Kampf doesn’t rack up many points, his skills in winning face-offs and killing penalties could prove valuable for a team like the Sabres.
Regarding a potential trade, insights from Sabres writers Jacob Strozyk and Michael Golden suggest that if the Maple Leafs were to trade Kampf, it would likely be for salary cap relief to address other areas of need. Given that the Sabres have six roster spots available, they might not need to part with a player in exchange. Instead, a draft pick, such as a 2024 third-round pick or a package including a 2025 fourth- and seventh-round pick, could be sufficient to facilitate the deal, benefiting both teams.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have a reputation for thoroughly exploring options whenever a player becomes available on the market. Their management diligently evaluates potential additions to enhance the team, a commendable approach. What sets them apart is their inclination not just towards acquiring star players but also those who align with Rod Brind’Amour’s style. Kampf embodies this ethos – a hardworking forward known for relentless forechecking, qualities highly valued by Brind’Amour. Moreover, Kampf’s long-term contract makes him an appealing fit for the Hurricanes, who currently have numerous pending free agents on their roster, indicating a preference for players with term.
Consulting Zack Martin, a Hurricanes writer at The Hockey Writers, shed light on the team’s financial flexibility, with approximately $6.8 million in available cap space at the deadline. While this facilitates potential deals, the pertinent question remains: what would be the return? Martin proposed Tony DeAngelo as a potential fit for the Maple Leafs, particularly on the right side. However, considering DeAngelo’s past personal issues and the organizational values of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, he might not be an ideal match.
It seems likely that Treliving prefers acquiring draft picks rather than immediately using them in subsequent deals to sweeten offers. This presents an opportunity to secure a second-round pick, a valuable asset that the team has been without for the next three seasons.
b
While there’s no official confirmation from the Maple Leafs or reputable NHL insiders regarding Kampf being actively shopped, such a move could potentially benefit them. From the team’s perspective, trading Kampf would free them from a long-term contract, enabling them to reallocate those funds elsewhere. For Kampf himself, his modified no-trade clause, which includes a 10-team no-trade list, affords him some control over potential destinations. This could potentially facilitate a trade despite being so early into his new contract extension.
