The Toronto Maple Leafs have suspended center David Kampf after he left their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, as reported by PuckPedia. The decision follows Kampf’s growing dissatisfaction with playing in the minors.
“Kampf is currently seeking options to return to the NHL, whether through trade or terminating his contract,” PuckPedia reported.
The Czech forward believes he should be back in the NHL and is pursuing avenues to make that happen. The potential outcomes include his return to the Marlies, a trade to another team, or a contract termination that would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. A similar case was noted last season when Brandon Saad left the St. Louis Blues to join the Vegas Golden Knights.
Kampf was assigned to the AHL after failing to make the Leafs’ NHL roster during training camp, despite an injury to center Scott Laughton that temporarily opened a roster spot. Following struggles in the playoffs under coach Craig Berube, Kampf appeared to fall out of favor with the team’s plans. He had been placed on waivers before the start of the season but went unclaimed, suggesting that his current contract discouraged potential suitors.
David Kampf’s suspension underscores mounting tensions over his AHL assignment, as he works to find a way back to the NHL amid uncertain prospects.