When Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving signed David Kämpf to a four-year, $2.4 million average annual value (AAV) extension in June 2023, some fans raised eyebrows because the number was high and the term was long. Kämpf isn’t known for putting up points—he’s a third- or fourth-line centre with limited offensive flash.
But, at the time, the team jumped to sign him. Why? Because they recognized his stalwart defensive presence. The truth was that he had carved out a niche in Toronto as a defensive specialist. Although Kämpf lost his ice time during last postseason’s run, he plays a role that still matters to the team.
Related: Flames & Maple Leafs Trade History Revisited
Kämpf is precisely what he shows. That defensive hard work hasn’t diminished. He’s as steady as steady can be. Here are four reasons why the team still needs the backbone that he brings to the ice.
Reason One: Kampf Is Elite in Defensive Zones and Faceoffs
Night after night, Kämpf takes on some of the most challenging assignments on the team. He starts most of his shifts in the defensive zone, often against top opposition lines. Whether it’s penalty kills, key faceoffs, or calming the game after a bad change, he’s a player the coaching staff trusts.
That trust is well-earned. His faceoff win percentage has consistently hovered near or above 50%, and his poise under pressure makes him a reliable fixture on the penalty kill. While it may not show up in goals and assists, his defensive play is a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs’ bottom six.
Reason Two: Kämpf Has a History of Reliability and Availability
In a league where injuries test depth, Kämpf’s durability is a significant asset. During his time with the team, he held one of the NHL’s longest active Ironman streaks—290 consecutive games played. That kind of consistency is hard to find and even harder to replace.
Related: Easton Cowan’s Case for a Top-Six Role with the Maple Leafs
As fans have come to discover in his time in Toronto, Kämpf is a health “fanatic” and keeps himself in tip-top shape for the season. Although staying healthy doesn’t ward off unfortunate injuries, it also plays a role in his readiness for action every game. Wind him up, throw him out on the ice, and he gives you solid minutes.
Game in and game out, Kämpf shows up. That kind of dependability doesn’t go unnoticed inside the dressing room.
Reason Three: Kämpf’s Salary Cap Value and Cost Certainty
His $2.4 million AAV might look steep for a bottom-six forward who doesn’t score much. Still, when you compare him to other defensive specialists—like Jordan Staal, Adam Lowry, or Nick Paul—Kämpf is actually on the lower end of that salary bracket.
In a cap-tight NHL, Kämpf offers steady value at a modest cost. His even-strength production is in line with other third-line centers, despite being deployed in more defensive situations. For a team like Toronto, having a defensively elite forward on a predictable, team-friendly contract is the kind of depth piece that matters.
Reason Four: Kämpf Brings International Pedigree and Experience
Kämpf’s contributions go beyond the NHL. During Czechia’s gold-medal run at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, he stepped up in a more offensive role and delivered. During Toronto’s postseason games, he’s shown he could play with pace and poise in high-pressure games—and that he has more to offer when called upon. Several times, he’s broken up the opposition’s power play with a timely defensive read, sometimes producing short-handed goals.
Related: NHL’s New CBA Is Going to Change the Game for the Maple Leafs’ Stars
With the Maple Leafs, he’s asked to shut things down—and he does. He wins key draws, eats up defensive minutes, and provides calm structure. If the team ever needs more from him, his international experience shows he can rise to the occasion.
What Fans and Analysts Who Want to Move Kämpf Miss
Kämpf posted just 13 points in 59 games last season. Not exactly eye-popping. But his contributions lie elsewhere: positioning, puck retrieval, and situational awareness. He lets other players step up offensively without worrying about defensive breakdowns—that kind of depth balance matters.
(Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
There’s been chatter about moving Kämpf to clear cap space, especially after the additions of Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua. He does have a limited no-trade clause, and a move would likely only bring back a late-round pick. Some analysts suggest teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins or Chicago Blackhawks might take him to absorb the contract. But the point is that Toronto may be losing more value than it gains in salary cap relief.
Best-Case Scenario for Staying in Toronto
Kämpf may not grab headlines, but he fills a role that’s vital to team success, especially in the postseason. He brings a strong penalty kill presence, reliable third- or fourth-line centre play, and quiet but steady locker-room leadership.
Related: How the Maple Leafs Will Deploy Easton Cowan This Season
In a salary cap landscape that’s constantly shifting, his stable contract provides the kind of cost certainty the Maple Leafs need. For a team trying to build a deeper, more playoff-ready roster, keeping a dependable player like Kämpf makes sense.
