Vancouver Canucks Bolster Roster with Addition of David Kämpf

Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward David Kämpf to a one-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.1 million. The announcement was made by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Kämpf, 30, joins the Canucks after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs was terminated by mutual agreement. Prior to the termination, he had been assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he played four games and recorded one assist.

Allvin expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "David is a very reliable two-way centre who will improve our strength and depth down the middle immediately". He further emphasized Kämpf's strengths in key areas, noting, "He is good in the faceoff dot and is a solid penalty killer, two areas of need we currently have on our team. His hockey IQ is also a big asset, and we believe he will fit in nicely with our group".

The signing addresses the Canucks' need for center depth, particularly with injuries to key players. The team has been seeking to reinforce their center position since trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and with Filip Chytil facing injury challenges and Teddy Blueger on injured reserve, Kämpf brings needed stability.

Kämpf's recent departure from the Maple Leafs marks a new chapter in his NHL career. He was previously placed on waivers by Toronto for contract termination. He had another season remaining on his four-year, $9.6 million deal with the Maple Leafs, which he signed in 2023. In 59 games with the Maple Leafs during the 2024-25 season, Kämpf posted 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) and 14 penalty minutes. He also played in one postseason game.

Throughout his NHL career, Kämpf has been recognized for his strong penalty-killing abilities, consistently averaging significant shorthanded ice time. In the 2024-25 season, he ranked second among Maple Leafs forwards in shorthanded time-on-ice. His faceoff win percentage of 51.2% also ranked third among Maple Leafs players who took at least 150 faceoffs.

A native of Chomutov, Czechia, Kämpf has represented his country in multiple international competitions, including the U17 Hockey Challenge, U18 World Championships, World Junior Hockey Championships, and the World Championships, where he won bronze in 2022 and gold in 2025.

Before joining the Maple Leafs, Kämpf played four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2017.

Over his eight NHL seasons, split evenly between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs, Kämpf has played in 536 games, recording 143 points (48 goals, 95 assists) and 114 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 35 playoff games, contributing 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) and 16 penalty minutes.

The addition of Kämpf is expected to provide a boost to the Canucks' defensive play and penalty kill, while also adding valuable experience and leadership to the team's forward group.