A few weeks ago, expectations were that the Calgary Flames would continue their rebuilding phase after trading several key players before the 2024 trade deadline. However, recent reports suggest the team is taking a different approach.
According to Frank Seravalli, the Flames are now looking to strengthen their lineup rather than trading away their remaining veterans. During his appearance on Amazon Prime Video’s “Coast to Coast,” Seravalli mentioned that the Flames “have no interest in tearing things down.” He revealed that Calgary’s general manager has been actively seeking a center to bolster the team’s middle-six forward group.
Chris Gerics of Hockey Patrol supported Seravalli’s claim and speculated on the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs being a trade partner to help meet the Flames’ needs. With Mikael Backlund and Justin Kirkland currently leading the Flames’ lines, the team still lacks the depth required to compete effectively in the Western Conference.
Gerics suggested that David Kampf would be a strong addition to Calgary’s lineup. He believes that Kampf’s skills, including his defensive abilities and faceoff proficiency, would make him an ideal fit between Connor Zary and Blake Coleman, which would allow Backlund to shift to the fourth line.
Kampf is currently listed as the fourth-line center for the Maple Leafs according to Daily Faceoff’s depth chart. Since joining Toronto in 2021, Kampf has recorded 26 goals and 47 assists, mainly in a defensive role. While not known for his scoring, his defensive contributions and penalty-killing capabilities would likely be an asset to the Flames.
Gerics also pointed out that this trade could benefit the Maple Leafs, who are currently dealing with salary cap challenges. Moving Kampf’s $2.4 million salary would provide Toronto with some much-needed cap relief.
He noted that the Leafs have players like Calle Jarnkrok and Fraser Minten ready to step into Kampf’s role, along with veteran Steven Lorentz, who joined during the offseason and could also fill a fourth-line position. In Gerics’ view, offloading Kampf’s contract could be a smart move for Toronto, possibly in exchange for draft picks or prospects.
Gerics concluded that a trade involving Kampf and a lower draft pick for a prospect or additional picks could help the Maple Leafs clear cap space while gaining valuable assets for the future.
