David Kampf Signs with the Canucks
Center David Kampf has signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks this Saturday, just a day after the Toronto Maple Leafs terminated his previous agreement.
Kampf’s contract with the Canucks will have a cap hit of $1.1 million. Kampf was entering the third year of his four-year contract with the Maple Leafs, which was worth $2.4 million annually.
The Leafs waived Kampf before the season, and he began the year with their AHL affiliate. Kampf played four games in the AHL before taking a voluntary leave, which was not sanctioned by the Leafs, to assess his options.
Kampf, who scored 5 goals and 13 points in 59 games last season, gives the Canucks a two-way center who has logged more than 110 minutes of shorthanded play in seven consecutive seasons.
The Canucks have faced defensive challenges under the direction of coach Adam Foote, who has already had to deal with injuries to key players.
Upon entering Saturday, the Canucks were allowing 3.53 goals per game, which is the fifth-most in the NHL, while their penalty kill is the worst in the league at 66.1%. Kampf also provides a veteran presence at center for the Canucks, who entered the season with questions at that position. Those concerns have intensified with players on the injured reserve.
Upon entering Saturday, the Canucks (8-9-2) had the second-fewest points in the Pacific Division, but were two points behind the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets for the Western Conference wild-card spots.
