David Kampf's latest comments offer clarity on his split from the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
With David Kampf returning to Toronto for the first time since signing as a waived free agent, he's letting everyone know he would rather focus on now, not the past.
David Kampf's tenure ended unceremoniously with the Maple Leafs after being waived in order to make room for some new faces on the roster post-identity change and there was no place for him in the lineup.
He played a bit for the Marlies but decided that was beneath him and asked for his release in order to sign elsewhere. That was granted and the veteran signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks shortly after.
David Kampf would rather forget the end of Maple Leafs tenure
However his tenure hasn't been perfect and while he has seemingly struggled to get his footing amidst a terrible Canucks season; he's at least focused on the now.
Prior to his first game back in Toronto since signing with the Canucks, Kampf was brunt and honest when asked about if he had reflected on his time in Toronto and if there was any pressure or tension heading into the game.
He put the issue to bed as quickly as it arose:
I don't want to talk about it too much, but I just make decisions about what I did and I think I'm happy about my decision and I'm here and I'm moving forward.
It was certainly a contentious time between Kampf and the Maple Leafs, as the team suspended him after he refused to travel with the Marlies and decided to step away from playing while he determined his career choices.
But he's also going to be part of Czechia's Olympic team and will be a focal point of their defensive makeup up front and their penalty kill so at least he can be proud of that even with his struggles.
For what it's worth, the Maple Leafs took a moment to acknowledge Kampf during the game and shows there's no hard feelings at least on their end:
Toronto and Kampf are better off separate; and the numbers show
Clearly Toronto hasn't missed him, as the team has been thriving with Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy in the center spots to go along with Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
Kampf has three points in 22 games for the Canucks this season but his defensive game has taken a hit, as he is a minus-five and only one takeaway to ten giveaways. For every steal, he coughs it up nine times elsewhere; a rarity for Kampf.
Meanwhile, Roy and Laughton while not offensive dynamos have put in much more offense than Kampf has in recent seasons.
Roy has 17 points in 40 games, meanwhile Laughton has seven points in 25 games -- and both are playing elite on the PK right now which would have been the one place Kampf fit in Toronto.
It seems like David Kampf would rather forgive and forget than to hold any grudges against Toronto and while the veteran certainly was displeased with how he was treated, at least he has another shot in Vancouver.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 10 | 1001 ANSWERS David Kampf's latest comments offer clarity on his split from the Maple Leafs Is Toronto better off without David Kampf? | ||
| Yes | 884 | 88.3 % |
| No | 117 | 11.7 % |
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