Veteran Forward Has Quietly Disappeared From the Maple Leafs Lineup
Photo credit: David Alter - X
The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone in a new direction this season, which means that some familiar faces have vanished, including notable veteran center David Kampf.
A new direction was stressed heavily this offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they looked to move on from Mitch Marner, instil some new blood into the lineup and create a group that prides itself on hard work, unity, and passion.
Everyone has seemingly bought in, the team is looking fairly sharp to start the season, and there's a lot of hope for guys like Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly to have a bounce back season if the first game was any indication.
David Kampf's Disappearance From Maple Leafs Proves Identity Change
But one forward who has disappeared completely from the lineup is veteran forward David Kampf, who at one time was a mainstay in the bottom-six but now sits as depth for the Toronto Marlies.
Reports earlier from Puckpedia showed the Leafs' intentions with Kampf as he was waived by the team, and promptly assigned to the Marlies, even though he practiced with the Maple Leafs.
There's no clue as to if he is going to play there either, as the team would likely prefer to play their younger guys as well as those Marlies mainstays who have brought the team a lot of success recently.
So while we'll find out soon enough if he plays for the team during their season opener on Friday night, what's next for David Kampf?
What's Next: The David Kampf and Maple Leafs Debate
Well, if he plays for the Marlies, then at least head coach John Gruden has found a solid veteran who can patrol all four lines at center, provide solid defense and penalty killing.
It's also great for his career as it shows that the team at least has some hopes that he can keep himself in shape in case of emergency, though that seems very unlikely.
That said, if he doesn't end up skating for the team and enjoying the game from the press box, it's quite the expensive endeavour even if Toronto's not feeling the cap hit.
Kampf is worth $2.4-million; a staggering amount for his production and finding a buyer is basically impossible unless somehow a team like San Jose is willing to take it on.
So if he's not playing for the Maple Leafs, and he's not playing for the Marlies, where does he go?
Right now, he hopes it's anywhere else so he can keep his once promising NHL career afloat.
Whether that be in Toronto once again, or somewhere else in the league it's clear the Maple Leafs have shifted their mentality, and have cleared Kampf out of their minds and their future plans.
