The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively considering trades involving forwards Nick Robertson and David Kampf, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
Robertson has played 10 games this season, scoring two goals and totaling four points. His position has varied significantly, ranging from the top line to being a healthy scratch during the first month. In a recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he logged a season-high 17:22 minutes, starting alongside Auston Matthews and Bobby McMann, while William Nylander was sidelined due to injury.
Kampf has spent the season with the AHL affiliate, the Marlies, after being waived before the season started. He has recorded one assist in four games. Although Kampf's cap hit is $2.4 million through next season, only $1.25 million counts against the Leafs' salary cap while he remains 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 are open to trading Robertson and Kampf but prioritize youth development and financial considerations in potential deals.
Author's summary: The Maple Leafs are exploring trades for Robertson and Kampf, balancing financial relief with patience in Robertson's development, seeking age-appropriate return players.