David Kampf
David Kampf started his season in Toronto as a bit of an unknown.
Coming in from Chicago, one of the worst teams at the time, it was impossible to look at statistics and tell if the Leafs belief in him was justified.
At home last year, where the Leafs could control matchups and skate David Kampf vs the opponents top line, they won almost 80% of the points.
— Editor in Leaf (@EditorinLeaf) September 22, 2022
However, Kampf made believers out of everyone. Tasked with the hardest minutes in the NHL, Kampf started the highest portion of his shifts in the defensive zone, and played against the toughest competition.
With a dedicated defensive line, the Leafs were able to get their top line away from the opponent’s top line, and they subsequently put up a 31-8-2 record at home.
The Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff became very comfortable playing Kampf while short-handed or in close games when the team needed a spark.
Kampf averaged 15:16 of ice time during the regular season and 17:27 during the playoffs. While playing at even strength in a tied game during the playoffs, Toronto had possession of the puck 66% of the time when Kampf was on the ice.
Kampf had an excellent season and deserves some credit for Matthews and Marner’s insane scoring totals. At 5v5, despite starting most of his shifts against top players in his own zone, Kampf won his minutes, with the Leafs scoring 38 goals and allowing 37, which was actually slightly unlucky compared to his 51% xgoals rating.