Three NHL Teams Reportedly Very Interested in Leafs' David Kampf

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been trying in earnest to move depth forward David Kampf all season long, and even dating back to last season, but to no avail.

Passing through waivers before the season began, teams had their opportunity to claim Kampf for free, but a $2.4M cap hit this season and next was enough of a deterrent to dissuade other teams from putting in a claim.

Now, Kampf is back on waivers, and if he passes through once again, he is expected to have his contract terminated and will then become a UFA, free to sign with a team of his choosing.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his most recent "32 Thoughts: The Podcast", Kampf has 3 interested teams waiting to sign him in Vancouver, Montreal and Pittsburgh.

From the Canucks' standpoint, the ability to add a defensively responsible centre at or around the league minimum is an attractive option. While they wouldn't have been interested at $2.4M, there's little risk there on a 1-year deal closer to $1M.

There were some previous rumours linking Kampf to the Montreal Canadiens, so it's not much of a surprise to see the Habs on this list. The question is, with the Canadiens playing well this season, why mess with the chemistry now?

Pittsburgh seems like the most-likely destination to me, primarily due to the fact that we know that Kyle Dubas loves "his guys", and David Kampf was one of "his guys".

The Penguins, like the Canadiens, are rolling this season, but depth is important and with the pre-existing relationship with Dubas, this one almost feels inevitable.

For the Leafs, the resolution to this situation is important, as the move frees up $1.25M this season and $2.4M next season. That cap space is important, especially considering the rumours linking the Leafs to Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

Word is that the Flames and Leafs may have a deal locked and loaded, ready to go once Kampf clears waivers and has his deal terminated. We'll see if that all goes down shortly after 2pm ET.