The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be losing David Kampf after all. The pending free agent forward has signed a new four-year contract with an average annual value of $2.4MM, per the team. Toronto also announced a two-year extension for 24-year-old depth forward Pontus Holmberg, who’s now locked in through 2025 at an $800K cap hit.
Kampf, 28, is coming off a pair of career years with the Maple Leafs, scoring 26 and 27 points while operating as a penalty kill specialist and bottom-six pivot. He is asked to take almost all of the team’s defensive zone draws, and saw more shorthanded ice time than any other Maple Leafs forward in 2022-23.
That makes him a valuable piece for the team, but there is significant risk in a deal like this Generally, long-term pacts with fourth-line players do not age well, given how many replacements are readily available. While Kampf has shown the ability to play a bit higher in the lineup, his offensive upside is limited, and he will turn 29 next January.
He’s also receiving a raise on the two-year deal he first signed in Toronto, which carried a cap hit of just $1.5MM. It’s hard to see many ways for Kampf to outperform this new deal, even if he does provide some solid defensive metrics in limited ice time.
It’s a curious first move for general manager Brad Treliving, given how much panic was pouring out of Toronto after another disappointing loss in the playoffs. The team had several unrestricted free agents, meaning he could put his stamp on the roster by bringing in different depth players.
Instead, Treliving has inked Kampf to a four-year pact that keeps him in Toronto through the 2026-27 season—which the Czech center will complete at age-32.
Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman was first to report that Kampf had signed a four-year contract, while NorthStar Bets’ Chris Johnston was first to report his $2.4MM cap hit.
seems a tad high but guess they didn’t see a checking line centre available for less on the market.
like Kampf but would have preferred something closer to 2M
1.5 to 2 is about right 2.4 aav for 4 years is an overpay for sure for a 4th C on a team that has 0 cap
Man he must have some high up pics. WOW. $2.5M? I’d pay him that NOT to play…I guess Holmberg & Zohorna developed slower than expected. Acciari & Lafferty solid bottom 6. Maybe Kampf a good signing because you can only count on Robertson for one thing. Jarnkrok still solid.
I like what Kampf gives the leafs on the 3rd line. Keefe is very comfortable with Kampf on the pk and in the face off circle but the price is a little steep. 2m is what I hoping the leafs could re-sign him for but when you take into account the taxes here it’s not a bad contract
bang on. $2M it looks good, this is a tad high but brings an element the leafs need.
Except he’s more 4th C then 3rd
I agree hes probably more of 4c then a 3c but think he’s versatile enough to play with either more offensive wingers or on a checking line.
Damn, was hoping he’d follow Dubas to the Pens
Wow. Can’t believe he parlayed his play to that type of deal. I’d have thought $1.5 per over 2 years max. Other options were available in FA and maybe they could’ve used some of that money to help bring O’Reilly back as the 3C. Other players to consider would’ve been
Glendening
Toews
Ellar
Bjugstad
Bonino
That was the contract he initially signed with the Leafs and he doubled his scoring output and became a valuable PK guy. He was due a raise, albeit a modest one.
Toews doesn’t know what he’s doing next year. RoR won’t be back if he’s seeking 5.5+Million
exactly. not sure why people seemed to want him gone. the 2.5 I wish was closer to 2 and maybe for 2-3 vs 4 yrs, but his play is what the leafs need, guy who can play against top guys, PK
Granted but 4 years is a lot of term for a 3/4C at $2.5. Maybe over 2 years, fine or even $2 mill per over 3. I just think there’s other players out there that could’ve been better.
Agreed of RoR at that price. I’d be surprised if he gets more than $4 mill per over more than 3 years.
Agree. ROR looks cooked. So slow.
If you did a survey between 32 GMs I’m almost sure $4M 2-3yrs is going to be the average they’d want to pay for O’Reilly. Thing is: That one dude that overpays and really likes him gets him
Off that list of players you provided I am happy with Kampf. But agree totally 4×2.4 is a little pricey but it doesn’t break the bank. I was hoping for a 2×2
Keep in mind, I meant one of those players at maybe $1-1.5 aav. I’d prefer Eller if it costs the same price as Kampf however.
Eller at 1.5 I could go for that to :), I am also a Glendenning fan, but I find Kampf the most appealing just due to how familiar Keefe is with Kampf
Glendening has zero offence but good defensively and a grinder. 4th liner all the way. At least Kampf can play the 3rd line a touch.
Kampf is rock solid defensively and a great PK’er, traits that should age well over the course of the 4 year contract.
$2.4M seems a bit high given his limited offensive ceiling but the cap hike a year from now should help make it much more palatable.
Because Toronto has oodles of cap space, doesn’t need to worry about paying Samsonov, Bunting or Holl, and the best thing they could do with that (hopeful) cap hike next year is to give the money to fourth liners.
Not, mind, that I have any stake in the Leafs doing smart things, but I’d be gnashing my teeth if I lived in GTA, right now.