The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to assess the trade market concerning forwards Nick Robertson and David Kampf, reports TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
Robertson has recorded two goals and four points across 10 games this season. His role has fluctuated from the top line to healthy scratch throughout the opening month. He logged a season-high 17:22 minutes in a recent loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, starting alongside Auston Matthews and Bobby McMann when William Nylander was sidelined due to injury.
Kampf, who was waived before the season began, has spent his time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Marlies, accumulating one assist in four games. Although his cap hit is $2.4 million for next season, he currently accounts for $1.25 million against Toronto’s salary cap while playing in the AHL.
“We know that GM Brad Treliving continues to explore the idea of moving both David Kampf and Nick Robertson,” Dreger said on Insider Trading.
“Now, the veteran David Kampf, who’s in the American Hockey League, it’s more about just getting off the money. For Nick Robertson, this guy is a bottom-six, he’s a top-six, he’s in the press box, he’s scoring goals. He’s a young guy who the Toronto Maple Leafs have time for and they are in no rush to move him out."
“If they were to get the right sort of return for Nick Robertson, it would be a player of a similar age.”
The Maple Leafs remain open to trading both players, with a focus on financial flexibility for Kampf and finding a comparable young player for Robertson in any potential deal.
Author’s note: The Maple Leafs are balancing competitive needs and salary cap management as they consider potential trades involving Robertson and Kampf.