What's really happening between David Kampf and the Maple Leafs? Inside the rift

The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward David Kampf are in a controversy over his demotion to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The team put Kampf on waivers last month due to a roster crunch, which meant too many healthy forwards were brought to the NHL’s active limit. Acting as an established NHL-level player, however, Kampf was sent to the Marlies, a situation that did not please him. According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the veteran center isn’t on the same page with coach Craig Berube’s system, and that mismatch has left Kampf without a clear role in Toronto’s plans.

"David Kampf is an NHL player. He is,” Dreger expressed during the First Up podcast. “Does he fit the eye of Craig Berube? He does not. He just doesn't. And Toronto has 14 healthy forwards that need waivers. So what do you do? You're stuck in a situation there.” Dreger went on to say that trade interest has not been very high in Kampf so far, but he thinks that this situation could turn around as the season wears on and injuries start to affect the other teams’ lineups.
Will David Kampf rejoin the Leafs or push for a trade after suspension drama?https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1986813810955407664

Kampf is now in the third year of his four-year, $9.6 million contract with a $2.4 million cap hit, and he has only participated in four AHL games this season, where he has only one assist credited before he left the team. The suspension imposed by the Maple Leafs without pay for walking away from the Marlies, according to PuckPedia, is now in effect. Dreger said that Kampf is still not satisfied but may think about coming back soon if no trade occurs.

In the meantime, Dreger commended the general manager, Brad Treliving, for his patience, primarily concerning Nick Robertson, who bounced back after being benched early on. However, Kampf's case emphasizes the tough roster and salary cap decisions that Toronto still has to deal with — and it is obvious that this tale has not reached its end yet.

More coverage on NHL

NHL Trade Rumors: Nazem Kadri linked to Montreal Canadiens as Pittsburgh Penguins silence the noise
Will Roope Hintz play tonight against the Edmonton Oilers? Latest update on the Dallas Stars forward
Elias Pettersson’s wife Katelyn Byrd launches SWETE, a Swedish-inspired candy brand