Player David Kampf has signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks this Saturday, just a day after his previous agreement was terminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Kampf’s contract with the Canucks is worth $1.1 million. He began the season in the third year of a four-year contract with the Maple Leafs, with an annual value of $2.4 million.
The Leafs waived Kampf before the start of the season, and he began the year with their AHL affiliate. Kampf played four games in the AHL before taking a voluntary leave without the Leafs’ approval to assess his options.
The arrival of Kampf, who scored five goals and 13 points in 59 games last season, provides the Canucks with a proven center on both sides of the ice, with more than 110 minutes of shorthanded play in seven consecutive seasons.
This incorporation comes at a time when the Canucks have faced defensive challenges under the direction of coach Adam Foote, who has already had to deal with injuries to key players.
The Canucks, as of Saturday, were allowing 3.53 goals per game, the fifth-highest figure in the NHL, while their penalty kill is the worst in the league at 66.1 percent. Kampf’s arrival also provides the Canucks with another veteran at center.
Until 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.
