Nick Kypreos: Maple Leafs Forward Emerges as Surprise Buyout Candidate
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos believes that David Kampf could end up as a buyout candidate even though it seemed the team wasn't going to go that route.
With a lot of questions surrounding Brad Treliving's supposed DNA change going into free agency, there's a lot of speculation that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to look at every option possible to make sure that mission gets accomplished.
But in order to do so, they need as much cap as possible considering names like Brad Marchand are going to get a raise so they may need to look into shaving some money off their books.
Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos believes that one candidate who could help alleviate the cap crunch is David Kampf.
David Kampf a buyout candidate for Maple Leafs: Nick Kypreos
Speaking on Leafs Morning Take on Friday, Kypreos said he wouldn't be surprised if Toronto decides to part ways with him:
I think there's some options, whatever happens with David Kampf, I think that's an option for a buyout. Scott Laughton came in and took his spot, and buyouts are an option and I'd start with David Kampf. - Nick Kypreos
This seemed to refute earlier reports that the Maple Leafs were going to eschew a buyout this summer and try to trade some of their more unsightly deals instead.
But if the team were to buy him out, what would it cost and is it worth it?
Should Toronto look into buying David Kampf out?
The Maple Leafs wouldn't necessarily save a ton of money buying out Kampf, as they would end up getting just north of $700,000 cap relief for the next two seasons, and cost a few hundred thousand the years following.
It wouldn't be a lot to persuade a free agent, but it could definitely help somewhat, especially if they are trying to add cheap veteran deals this summer.
But they might do better by trading Kampf and getting some draft capital back. He won't get you much more than a 5th or 6th round pick, but it's more about getting his money off the books and clearing up roster space.
Kampf, 30, put up his lowest point total since 2020-21, only managing 13 points in 59 games (5G, 8A) but did deal with some injuries this year.
A defensive specialist, he's much more suited to help a contender's fourth line and penalty kill while being able to stay away from the penalty box himself.
Spending time with Chicago and Toronto, Kampf has 143 points in 536 games (48G, 95A) winning 51.4% of his face-offs and 243 takeaways to only 140 giveaways.
He signed a four-year deal with Toronto in 2023 worth $9.6-million; a drastic overpayment for a fourth-liner and a contract the team is clearly trying to get away from.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 623 ANSWERS Nick Kypreos: Maple Leafs Forward Emerges as Surprise Buyout Candidate Should the Toronto Maple Leafs buyout David Kampf? | ||
| Yes | 511 | 82 % |
| No | 112 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||
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