Kampf couldn't secure a fourth-line centre role with the Maple Leafs coming out of training camp, and was clearly outplayed by several forwards. The 30-year-old spent the past four seasons with the Maple Leafs, but his role ultimately became redundant, and his lack of offensive impact was a clear factor in the organization's decision to phase him out of the lineup.
Kampf, 30, is currently suspended from the team without pay, as the Maple Leafs sent him down to the minors. The veteran centre isn't having it and has no interest playing for the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies. Some NHL veterans take the move with a grain of salt, work hard, and try to force their way back into the NHL. Kampf decided he was going to cause quite the stink, after Treliving has spent the past few weeks trying to move the disgruntled forward.
The contentious matter has apparently divided the two sides, with the NHLPA siding with Kampf and the league siding with the Maple Leafs. Kampf apparently intends to keep the full amount of his signing bonus, while the Leafs, according to Friedman, want the beleaguered forward to pay back a certain amount. The two sides won't be able to move forward with the contract termination until that situation is hammered out.
