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Signing Bonus Creating Issues for David Kampf and the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Dean Chaudhry
November 10, 2025 (7:25)

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With the Leafs and David Kampf heading towards a breakup, Elliotte Friedman has the inside scoop into what's causing the delay in a resolution for both sides.

It was reported a few days ago that Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf was suspended by the club without pay for refusing to play for the Toronto Marlies.

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It was an interesting turn of events, but not one that was all too surprising, considering the fact that the Czech forward had been on the trade block - openly - for the entirety of the off-season. Had GM Brad Treliving found an offer to his liking, it seems very likely he would have accepted.

The veteran forward had been placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs before the season began, and his frustrations seemingly boiled over, as he did not join his AHL teammates on their road trip to Chicago in the early goings of November.

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While a resolution still hasn't come quite yet, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell this past weekend that might explain why Kampf is so frustrated to begin with.

During his segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Friedman talked about how the major sticking point in this saga is that if Kampf's contract is terminated, he might have to return some of his signing bonus, and now, the NHLPA has gotten involved.

I've heard one of the issues there is he's received a signing bonus this year. So there's been a bit of a conversation, that if his contract gets terminated, should he have to return some of the signing bonus. I sense the league and the Player's Association are involved in this part of the conversation, so the hope is that it gets resolved by Monday.

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For all intents and purposes, the situation between the Leafs and Kampf is going to end in a messy breakup, and Friedman believes we should have a resolution by today.

A trade would be great news for both sides because that would mean the Leafs could receive something for their disgruntled asset, as well as Kampf not having to return any of his $1.325 million signing bonus to the team.

However, whichever way this goes, it's going to prematurely end Kampf's tenure with the club that spanned 4 seasons, 301 games, and 85 total points.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily

Berube At a Loss For Words, Furious With Maple Leafs After Two Sloppy Losses

Auston Matthews Pays Tribute to Joe Thornton Ahead of Hall-Of-Fame Game

Leafs Make Controversial Decision Following Disastrous Outing From Stolarz

POLL
NOVEMBRE 10 \| 839 ANSWERS Signing Bonus Creating Issues for David Kampf and the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe that David Kampf should return any of his signing bonus if he has his contract terminated?
Yes	425	50.7 %
No	414	49.3 %
List of polls

Signing Bonus Creating Issues for David Kampf and the Toronto Maple Leafs

With the Leafs and David Kampf heading towards a breakup, Elliotte Friedman has the inside scoop into what's causing the delay in a resolution for both sides.

Do you believe that David Kampf should return any of his signing bonus if he has his contract terminated?