Leafs Forward Rejects Toronto And Will Walk In Free Agency

The Leafs are likely to lose one of their top shutdown players to free agency next week despite an effort to keep him.

Kampf Set To Leave Toronto

David Kampf is one of the league's best bottom-six forwards. Providing a stout defensive game, typically against his opponent's top players, he is one that could get paid on the open market despite a lack of production.

It was reported that Kampf and the Leafs were working on an extension but it appears discussions have stalled and he will leave for more money.



Graphic via @leafslatest on Instagram

What Will The Leafs Do Without Kampf

While it is unfortunate that Kampf will be leaving Toronto, he is a relatively simple player to replace in terms of market value. He will likely get $1.5-2 million on his next contract and that means the Leafs could use that money for resigning somebody bigger, such as Ryan O'Reilly.

Kampf could likely have his exact role filled out by either a league veteran looking to win a cup, like Joe Thornton did when he signed with the Leafs, or they could have an entry-level contract come up and carve out a role with the Leafs.

The Leafs do not lack defense from their top forwards with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews both receiving Selke votes. They will likely pick up some slack if the Leafs cannot sign a shutdown forward.