The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively considering trade options for forwards Nick Robertson and David Kampf, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
Robertson has scored two goals and tallied four points in 10 games this season. His playing time and role have varied significantly, from a healthy scratch to a spot on the top line. Notably, in Wednesday’s heavy loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, he logged a season-high 17:22 minutes on ice, starting alongside Auston Matthews and Bobby McMann while William Nylander was sidelined due to injury.
Kampf, who has spent this season in the AHL with the Marlies, has recorded one assist in four games. He was waived before the season began and carries a cap hit of $2.4 million through next season. Currently, his cap charge against Toronto stands at $1.25 million while playing in the AHL.
“We know that GM Brad Treliving continues to explore the idea of moving both David Kampf and Nick Robertson," Dreger said on Insider Trading.
“Now, the veteran David Kampf, who’s in the American Hockey League, it’s more about just getting off the money. For Nick Robertson, this guy is a bottom-six, he’s a top-six, he’s in the press box, he’s scoring goals. He’s a young guy who the Toronto Maple Leafs have time for and they are in no rush to move him out.
“If they were to get the right sort of return for Nick Robertson, it would be a player of a similar age.”
The Maple Leafs seek to balance their roster and salary cap by potentially trading Kampf to free up space, while Robertson remains a valuable young asset with no immediate trade pressure.
Author’s summary: The Maple Leafs are evaluating trade options for Kampf to manage salary while holding onto young talent Robertson unless a fair-age player offer arises.