Chris Johnston outlines why a division rival could be a realistic landing spot for David Kampf
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
NHL insider Chris Johnston recently discussed how David Kampf's situation in Toronto could align with a roster need elsewhere in the Atlantic Division.
David Kampf's time with Toronto is coming to an end, and whether that be via contract termination, a buyout, or a trade; he's expected to be gone as early as this week depending on how the league and NHLPA rule on his situation.
Finding a trade would be great for the team as they could recoup some type of asset and even if it's a low draft pick or a player who can give them some help in an emergency situation then they should seriously consider things.
The market for Kampf has been extremely quiet and it's hard to imagine a team just willingly taking on $2.4-million for a player who has been a fourth-liner at best the last few seasons.
Chris Johnston's case for the fit and the roster hole it solves for the Canadiens
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Toronto may have a very intriguing business partner.
On a recent episode of his podcast The CJ Show, Johnston revealed that the Toronto Maple Leafs might be able to find a suitor for Kampf.
The Montreal Canadiens were brought up as a team who needs a left-handed center who can kill penalties, and Kampf's skillset fills their holes up front:
A team like the Canadiens, they don't have a left shot center on their roster, you can't tell me they wouldn't use a player like him; he has attributes that a team like that would find appealing.
The Canadiens also has the cap space necessary to take on Kampf's deal, and they could easily part with one of their seven draft picks in the 6th/7th round to get it done.
Montreal has been searching for stability and while they aren't awful on the penalty kill, Kampf would help with their 17th place ranking they currently occupy.
Why the Maple Leafs have already decided to move on from Kampf
Is that enough for Brad Treliving? According to reports he doesn't want to take on a bad contract, so he should at least entertain draft pick compensation and the real acquisition is the extra cap space they'd earn from dumping Kampf.
It was clear from the postseason last year that Craig Berube didn't want Kampf in his lineup, and the acquisitions made this summer all but showed him the door.
He's too expensive for what he offers, the switch to a grittier and tougher identity and an onus on having a different look in general makes Kampf expendable.
It's clear Toronto sees a better roster fit without him in the mix.
We know Toronto is shopping Kampf, and if Montreal is legitimately exploring depth help down the middle, Kampf is one of the few available options who match that exact profile.
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