The Calgary Flames have surprised everyone with a solid start to the season. Most analysts (and even fans) thought they were entering a rebuilding year after losing key players like Elias Lindholm, but instead, they are competing in the tough Western Conference. Their early success has shifted the team’s strategy from building for the future to focusing on winning now. Could a trade for David Kämpf address the team’s needs?
To keep this momentum going, General Manager Craig Conroy is looking for a reliable center to boost the team’s depth. One possible option is David Kämpf from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Flames GM Craig Conroy Is Flexible in What He Wants
Flames GM Craig Conroy has searched for a middle-six center since trading Elias Lindholm. While some reports tied this search to the team’s hot start, Conroy revealed that it has been a priority for a while. In an interview with Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, Conroy admitted that replacing Lindholm, particularly finding a right-handed center, has been challenging.
He mentioned that he’s open to a flexible approach—whether it’s a top-six or middle-six center—as long as the player has NHL experience and fits the team’s needs. Conroy is determined to strengthen the roster, even hinting at a willingness to part with valuable assets like a first-round pick to get the right player.
More About David Kämpf and Why He Might Fit
David Kämpf has been a solid player for the Maple Leafs, particularly for his strong defensive skills. As a center, he is known for winning key faceoffs, killing penalties, and handling tough defensive matchups. Kämpf thrives in shutdown roles. He takes on the opposition’s best players and helps limit their scoring chances. He takes tons of faceoffs in his team’s defensive zone. He’s a smart, hardworking player who quietly contributes in ways that often don’t show up on the scoresheet but are essential to a team’s success.
In addition to his defensive skills, Kämpf has some offensive upside. He showed this most recently last summer during international play. He played a big part in helping his home country, Czechia, win the gold on home ice at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. His ability to contribute at both ends of the ice makes him a valuable player for any team.
Kämpf’s contract, which carries a cap hit of $2.4 million per season until 2026-27, is affordable. It makes him an attractive option for a team like Calgary looking to add a low-maintenance but effective player to their roster.
Could a Trade Work for Both the Flames and the Maple Leafs?
If the Flames believe Kämpf is helpful, Conroy might offer valuable assets (perhaps a first-round pick isn’t necessary) to make the deal. Trading Kämpf could allow Toronto to secure a high draft pick while giving younger players waiting in the wings more opportunities. His teammates love Kämpf, and he brings a no-nonsense, team-first mentality that Calgary would likely appreciate.
The Bottom Line: A Win-Win Trade?
A trade for Kämpf could be the move that helps Calgary keep its surprising playoff push alive. With Kämpf’s reliability and affordable contract, the Flames could benefit from his steady presence, while the Maple Leafs might take advantage of the chance to build for the future.
It could work, but is a player like Kämpf someone Conroy might want on the team? That’s the biggest question.
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