Report: David Kämpf ‘Frustrated’ With Maple Leafs Situation, Takes Break From Marlies

David Kämpf Reportedly Frustrated With Maple Leafs Situation

Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kämpf has reportedly grown dissatisfied with his current role and has taken some time away from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The situation has created additional challenges for both the player and the organization as they navigate roster and salary cap complications.

Temporary Absence from the Marlies

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Kämpf was not traveling with the Marlies during their recent road trip.

“Kämpf has taken a couple of days to kind of think about his future,” Friedman said. “Obviously, he's not playing with the Maple Leafs right now. He's in a bit of a roster and salary cap crunch situation, and he got a little bit frustrated.”

Contract and Waivers Context

The Czech forward was placed on waivers before the start of the season and, after going unclaimed, was assigned to the Marlies. Kämpf is currently in the third year of a four-year deal worth $2.4 million annually. Due to NHL regulations, Toronto retains $1.25 million of his cap hit, as teams can only gain up to $1.15 million in cap relief for buried contracts during the 2025–26 season.

Current Outlook

The situation remains far from ideal. The Maple Leafs likely would have preferred to trade Kämpf, while the player appears to believe he still belongs in the NHL rather than the AHL.

Author’s Summary

David Kämpf’s frustration over reduced playing opportunities and salary-cap complications has led him to take time away from the team, highlighting tension between player ambition and roster limits.

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The Hockey News The Hockey News — 2025-11-02

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