Ex-Blackhawks forward David Kampf signs with Western Conference team

David Kampf had struggled to make it into the NHL lineup after training, as new Head Coach Craig Berube made room for Nic Roy and Steven Lorentz.

But for the former Maple Leafs forward who has worn the crest since the 2021-22 season? Nope, he was sent down to the AHL to rot.

Instead of showing up to the Marlies organization, which was required of the forward, he'd fail to report, resulting in a suspension without pay.

Kampf, the former Blackhawks forward, was in a bind and would work out a mutual deal with himself and GM Brad Treliving of the Maple Leafs. Kampf was placed on unconditional waivers by the Maple Leafs to terminate his contract.

But since he's bet on himself, he's found a new home in the NHL after clearing waivers: the Vancouver Canucks.

Kampf signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks, ensuring a continuation of his NHL career.

The forward, who scored 13 points in 59 games for the Maple Leafs, gives the Western Conference team some help on the penalty kill and a depth option in the lineup.

We thought Kampf might be a good waiver claim for the Blackhawks, but instead, they've let him slip through their hands.

Kampf is headed to a Vancouver Canucks team that needs help defensively, as the forward core has been eroded by attrition.

The laundry list of injuries has included:

He'll be able to add some stability to the Canucks' bottom-six forward group, which has allowed 3.53 goals per game, and improve their penalty kill, which is 66.1% in the NHL.

With Teddy Blueger out of the lineup, the Canucks need help, and Kampf's services will be more than adequate.

The Canucks are 8-9-2 in the Western Conference and are two points behind the Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks for a wild card spot in the playoffs.

The undrafted forward has found himself in a favorable position on a team that doesn't have a logjam in the forward core.