The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2025-26 season as a very interesting team to watch. After another disappointing postseason, the Maple Leafs will be looking for better results in 2026.
However, it is crucial to note that the Maple Leafs underwent significant roster changes this offseason. They most notably traded then-pending free agent Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. From there, the 28-year-old superstar quickly signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Vegas. When noting that Marner just had a 102-point season, the Maple Leafs are undoubtedly going to miss his offense tremendously.
In response to moving on from Marner, the Maple Leafs brought in several forwards this summer. They acquired Nicolas Roy from the Golden Knights in the Marner deal. They also acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth and Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks. While none of these players are stars like Marner, they should give Toronto’s forward group a boost.
Yet, when looking at the Maple Leafs’ roster, it is clear that they now have a surplus of bottom-six forwards. Because of this and their limited cap space, it would not be surprising if they trade at least one of their forwards. One specific player who is a clear trade candidate to watch is David Kampf.
Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade proposal that would send Kampf to the Anaheim Ducks in a cap dump move.
Ducks Get:
David Kampf
Maple Leafs Get:
2026 Sixth-Round Pick
Maple Leafs Looking to Move David Kampf
With the Maple Leafs having plenty of forwards, Kampf’s name floated around the rumor mill often this offseason. It is understandable, as he has a $2.4 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season. This is a bit hefty of a cap hit for a bottom-six forward like Kampf. This is especially so when noting that his spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup is not guaranteed, given their forward depth.
Earlier this month, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported that the Maple Leafs are still looking to trade Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok.
“Also on the Leafs, forwards David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok remain available for trade,” Pagnotta reported.
With the Maple Leafs’ current situation, it makes sense that they are open to trading Kampf. However, given his high cap hit and role, the Maple Leafs would likely not receive much in return for him in a potential trade.
Why Maple Leafs & Ducks Could Make Kampf Trade
When looking at the Ducks’ current roster, they could use a player like Kampf in their bottom six. Due to this solid defensive play, he could be a strong fit on their fourth line and penalty kill if acquired. Furthermore, he would help the Ducks at the dot, as he had a 51.2 faceoff winning percentage for Toronto this past season. He has also won more than half of his faceoffs in seven out of his eight NHL seasons.