Toronto Maple Leafs: How Does the Kampf Signing Affect Leafs UFAs

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday that David Kampf has signed a four-year contract extension at an AAV of $2.4 million.

There is definitely some questions around the signing being for too much money, but what does this mean for other Toronto Maple Leaf players that have their contracts expiring on July 1st?

The  Leafs have nine players that could potentially hit the open market on July 1st, if not signed beforehand to a contract extension.

Key players such as Michael Bunting and depth adds like Ryan O’Reilly,, Luke Schenn and Noel Acciari might be on new teams come next season if nothing gets worked out with the Leafs.

I was having a conversation with my friend, Josh Marano, who gave me the idea to write this article, by bringing up a good point. With this contract, the writing is on the wall for the rest of these players, and it is not good news for the Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs: How Does the Kampf Signing Affect Leafs UFAs

Kampf is a great third/fourth line guy that is fantastic defensively. He can kill penalties, win faceoffs and can play as a shutdown center against a teams top line. However, is his cap hit a bit rich for what he brings? I believe that it might be an overpay  but the 28-year-old could have commanded more money if he hit the open market.

Still that doesn’t mean the Leas should pay it just because another team would.

If the rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs UFA list are seeing this contract being handed out to Kampf, I think their asking price just went up, especially if you are O’Reilly and Bunting.

It’s obvious that Bunting is going to get a pretty decent raise on his next contract, but it most likely won’t be with the Leafs. With the Kampf extension being official, I wouldn’t be surprised if he and his agent have had conversations on what this means for what he can get in the open market. His play over the last two seasons have made him unaffordable for Toronto and will get a bigger contract with another team.

Bunting is a player that likes to anger other teams and get under their skin. He is a perfect player to put on your first or second line and he will contribute as seen when put with Matthews and Marner throughout his time with the Leafs.

O’Reilly is a bit different. Everyone knows what he brings to any team. One of the best two-way forwards in this league and will be a great add to any team looking to win in the playoffs. As a former Stanley Cup winner, O’Reilly has that veteran presence and experience that most teams need.

The 32-year old had hinted that he will be testing the open market come July 1st, but I think this move made by Brad Treliving has solidified it. Leaf fans, prepare for some change come October, because there is going to be a whole lot of it.