Maple Leafs Linked to Canadiens in a Potential Deal Between Bitter Rivals

The fate of David Kampf and the Toronto Maple Leafs has yet to be decided, with Kampf suspended after walking away from the Toronto Marlies to contemplate his future.

One analyst believes a trade can be made, and he's convinced one of the Maple Leafs' biggest rivals is a perfect fit for Kampf, and believes he can offer them something they lack.

Kampf has yet to play for the Maple Leafs in the 2025-26 season, instead being sent to the AHL in early October. So far, he hasn't been able to work his way back to the big league.

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, The Montreal Canadiens would be a great fit for Kampf, as the team needs a left-shot centre. Johnston says Kampf has attributes that Habs could use on their young team.

While I usually find Johnston to be insightful when it comes to these matters, this one is a bit of a head scratcher.

The last thing the Canadiens need right now is an overpaid centre who amounts to a fringe NHLer. Even if the Maple Leafs are willing to retain 50 percent of Kampf's salary, he is not really an upgrade over anyone Montreal has on the team at the moment (possibly Joe Veleno, although he comes in at a lower price than Kampf).

Not to mention, General Manager Kent Hughes is likely looking to save his assets for something bigger down the line.

The bottom line is, without a deal sweetener, the Maple Leafs would be looking to a division rival to do what amounts to a huge favour for them.

Kampf isn't getting back into the Leafs' lineup, barring injuries, and his trade value is at an all-time low. There's no question Toronto would like to have Kampf's salary erased from their books one way or the other. I don't see the Canadiens being the team to help them do it -- at least not without a sizeable sweetener.