Former Leaf reveals what David Kampf's next contract might look like

After spending three full seasons in the professional Czech league, Kampf signed his first NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in the off-season of 2017. He spent the following four seasons in the windy city.

In the 2021 off-season, Kampf signed a deal with the Maple Leafs worth $3 million over two years. Last season, Kampf put up career numbers with the Buds, producing 26 points (11 goals & 15 assists) in 82 games. But for any Leaf fans who have been following, they know it is not all about points for the defensive center. Kampf is a key contributor on the team's penalty kill and is often assigned key defensive zone minutes for the Leafs.

Leafs rookie Pontus Holmberg feels like a potential replacement for Kampf next season, however, I wouldn't rule out re-signing Kampf just yet. It is clear he brings a reliability to the Leafs' center position. Given the fact that the team already pays Tavares and Matthews a combined $22.6 million though, it feels unlikely they could afford to pay Kampf $3 million, but perhaps the team could get creative to lower the cap hit. Offering more term may be a solution here. Maybe a deal like the one Calle Jarnkrok signed (4 years x $2.1 million) would make sense.

At this point - it feels likely the team will let the season play out and determine what to do with Kampf at season's end. But come next off-season, if he does hit the open market, especially if the team has a deep playoff run, David Kampf could become a hotter commodity than many may expect.