David Kämpf has agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks after mutually terminating his deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old Czech center, who left approximately 30 million kronor on the table, brings eight NHL seasons of experience to Vancouver. General Manager Patrik Allvin highlighted Kämpf's defensive reliability and potential long-term fit.
David Kämpf, a 30-year-old center, became an unrestricted free agent earlier in the day when his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs was mutually terminated. He had started the 2025/26 season with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL after passing through waivers without being claimed. Kämpf, who played four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks before joining Toronto, recorded five goals and 13 points in 59 games during the previous season with the Maple Leafs.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin confirmed the signing on Sunday morning, noting that he contacted Kämpf's agent immediately after the Toronto termination. The agreement is for the remainder of the season with a $1.1 million cap hit, significantly less than the $2.4 million annual value of his prior contract, which extended through 2026/27.
"David has been a player that our scouting staff have followed over the years and like what he brings," Allvin said. "And for us, finding a way to manage the cap number, to get him in, and also for us to upgrade our centre ice with a more experienced guy, [who is] very detailed, defensively and a penalty killer."
Kämpf joins Vancouver with 48 goals, 95 assists, and 143 points in 536 NHL games. He has won 51.4% of over 6,000 faceoffs. Allvin praised his integrity for terminating the contract to remain in the league and sees potential for a longer stay. Kämpf traveled to join the team on Sunday but will not play against the Tampa Bay Lightning that afternoon; he may debut Monday against the Florida Panthers.
Allvin also provided injury updates: Filip Chytil is skating in Vancouver and improving; Teddy Blueger is week-to-week but progressing; Thatcher Demko is also week-to-week without a clear timeline.