David Kämpf
David Kämpf is a Czech professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Vancouver Canucks. He has previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Internationally, Kämpf has represented the Czech Republic, contributing to a gold medal win at the 2024 World Championship.
Playing career
Although never drafted, Kämpf began his youth hockey career with Piráti Chomutov in 2009 at the under-16 level. He made his professional debut in the Czech Extraliga with Chomutov during the 2012–13 season. In his fifth year with the club, during the 2016–17 campaign, he had a breakout season, recording a personal best of 15 goals and 31 points across 52 games.On April 19, 2017, Kämpf chose to exercise his option to remain with Chomutov for another year, despite interest from NHL teams. However, just weeks later, on May 1, he activated an out-clause in his contract and signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
In the, Kämpf made his NHL debut on December 28, 2017, and netted his first NHL goal on January 12, 2018, contributing to a 2–1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.
After spending four seasons with the Blackhawks, Kämpf entered free agency and signed a two-year, $3 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 28, 2021.
After two successful seasons with the Maple Leafs, Kämpf chose to stay in Toronto by signing a four-year contract extension worth $9.6 million on June 28, 2023, ahead of becoming a free agent.