Free Agent Emerges as Ideal Replacement for Leafs' David Kampf

All the talk this offseason has been surrounding the DNA change the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to try to implement.

Saying goodbye to familiar faces, bringing the proper pieces, and shifting towards a team-first, passion-heavy mentality that will hopefully bring them success.

In terms of those familiar faces heading out, we are going to see Mitch Marner headed out of town, not to mention we might see John Tavares signing elsewhere as well.

Another name who has been bodied around as either a trade or buyout candidate is David Kampf. Signed to a lucrative contract (at least for a fourth-liner), he's expected to be gone this summer and opening up a roster spot and some much needed cap space.

So if they didn't want to give his spot to a Marlies player like Jacob Quillan or even Easton Cowan, then they can peruse the free agent market themselves for a much cheaper replacement; more specifically Cody Glass.

Glass, 26, is another big body for Craig Berube to insert into the lineup and one who can not only offer a great defensive game, but has a lot more offensive potential than Kampf; who never really found his touch in Toronto.

This past season he struggled a bit offensively, with only 22 points in 65 games (6G, 16A) but is only two seasons removed from a 14-goal, 35-point season with Nashville.

He won't throw his weight around that much but he's extremely smart, plays a very possession-heavy game, and is great at using his frame to disrupt opponents.

He is a restricted free agent so either Toronto needs to present an offer sheet, or trade for him but both are very reasonable for Brad Treliving.

An offer sheet worth three years and $9-million seems like an overpayment but he's young, has more offensive upside, and changes the team's DNA by bringing in someone who might fit better in Craig Berube's system (Kampf was scratched all but one playoff game).

A trade wouldn't be too bad either, and the team has some low-level picks and mid-tier prospects they could send the other way like Topi Niemala.

Glass coming in would give Toronto at least 3/4 of their centers figured out with only John Tavares or his replacement to work out. It would certainly give the team a new look and get out from Kampf who doesn't fit in anymore.