Timing is everything for Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf.
Kampf appeared in his 500th career NHL game Friday against the Detroit Red Wings, which became the perfect setting for his first goal of the 2024-25 season. The 29-year-old becomes the 14th Maple Leaf all-time to score a goal in their 500th career game.
Kampf made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2017-18 season, after entering the league going undrafted. He would spend his first four NHL seasons with the Blackhawks. before signing a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2021. Kampf then re-signed with the Maple Leafs once general manager Brad Treliving took over, inking a four-year, $9.6-million contract to stick around in Toronto.
Kampf has averaged 12:43 of ice-time per game, including being a regular on the Maple Leafs’ penalty kill this season. Entering Friday’s action, Kampf has added four assists in his 22 appearances. Kampf recently returned to the lineup after missing 12 games due to a lower-body injury. It’s obvious a little bit of rest over the three-day holiday break was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Toronto has desperately needed secondary scoring throughout the season, with Marner, Nylander and John Tavares taking on an inordinate share of the goals, while the team has battled through injuries. Kampf could become a staple of the bottom-six alongside Steven Lorentz and Connor Dewar, and his ability to play in all situations has endeared him to Craig Berube.
Kampf opened the scoring against the Red Wings, which was then followed by a couple of pretty plays to set up Mitch Marner for two one-timers, extending Toronto’s first-period lead to 3-0.
After Friday’s game, the Maple Leafs will host the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. It’s expected the Capitals will welcome Alex Ovechkin back to the lineup after he suffered a broken leg in late November.
