The Toronto Maple Leafs got terrible news regarding fourth-line center Scott Laughton on Friday. The team announced Laughton will be out for the foreseeable future with a lower-body injury.
That situation could open the door for a beleaguered center to get another shot at the lineup. In particular, David Kampf, who was placed on waivers, could have one last kick at the can with the Maple Leafs this season.
According to Daily Faceoff, Kampf could likely suit up on the fourth line with Steven Lorentz and rookie Easton Cowan to start the season.
Kampf is the most immediate option to fill in for Laughton. Kampf held the 4C role before Laughton joined the club at last season’s trade deadline. But then, the 30-year-old Czech native fell out of favor and the Maple Leafs’ lineup entirely.
Now, the only player who could conceivably step into the Opening Night lineup without really missing a beat is Kampf. Sure, there are other options out there. But this situation is likely Kampf’s final shot at sticking with the Maple Leafs.
No one is expecting Kampf to light the lamp from the get-go. But as long as he can gel with wingers Steven Lorentz and Easton Cowan, Kampf should earn more playing time, that is, until Laughton returns.
Kampf must clear waivers first before playing with Toronto Maple Leafs
The only administrative issue pending is Kampf clearing waivers. The Maple Leafs placed him there on Friday and will need to wait for him to officially clear before bringing him back to the active roster.
While there seems to be every indication that he will, there’s always the chance that someone claims him at the last minute. PuckPedia is reporting Kampf’s salary as buried in the minors, so it seems Kampf made it safely.
Moreover, PuckPedia has also updated its depth chart to reflect Kampf in the 4C role. That’s certainly indicative that the consensus lies in Kampf taking over the fourth-line role while Laughton is out.
That’s a hugely important situation. Once Kampf clears waivers once, the Maple Leafs can send him back down to the AHL without having to clear again.
Toronto Likely Knew about Laughton Injury before Placing Kampf on Waivers
Now, it’s more than certain that the Maple Leafs knew Laughton was out before placing Kampf on waivers. As such, it was a calculated move by Toronto to gain flexibility.
In the meantime, Kampf should get the nod to start at 4C on October 8 against the Montreal Canadiens. Unless Craig Berube stuns fans with a surprise pick for the fourth line, it’ll be Kampf to start the season.
How long Kampf remains there is an entirely different question. Once Laughton returns, Kampf could go back down to the AHL easily. He wouldn’t have to clear waivers again. For now, that could just be a paper transaction. With the current CBA still in effect, the Maple Leafs will be able to get away with this move.
Once the new CBA kicks in next season, the club won’t be able to get away with a paper transaction like this one.
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