David Kämpf

David Kämpf (born 12 January 1995) is a Czech professional ice hockey player who is a forward for HC Litvínov of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals. 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 19 April 2017, Kämpf chose to exercise his option to remain with Chomutov for another year, despite interest from NHL teams. However, just weeks later, on 1 May, 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 28 December 2017, and netted his first NHL goal on 12 January 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 28 July 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 28 June 2023, ahead of becoming a free agent.

The Maple Leafs placed Kämpf on waivers at the start of the and sent him down to play for the Marlies in the AHL. After playing four games in the AHL, Kämpf walked away from the Marlies in November 2025. His absence was considered a breach of contract, and he received a suspension letter from the Leafs on 2 November. His contract was subsequently suspended on 7 November. On 6 March 2026, Kämpf was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. On 24 June 2026, the Capitals traded him and a 2027 third-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Alex Tuch.

Released as a free agent by the Sabres and following 9 NHL seasons, Kämpf opted to return to his native Czech Republic, agreeing to a three-year contract with HC Litvínov of the ELH on 7 July 2026.

International play

Kämpf represented Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he played a key role throughout the tournament. His performance was instrumental in Czechia's impressive run, culminating in a gold medal victory on home ice, Czechia's first IIHF World Championship title since 2010.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2010–11 KLH Chomutov CZE U18 91120 ————— 2011–12 Piráti Chomutov CZE U18 421729462 22022 2012–13 Piráti Chomutov CZE U18 141313268 ————— 2012–13 Piráti Chomutov CZE U20 24871516 30000 2012–13 Piráti Chomutov ELH 20000 ————— 2012–13 SK Kadaň Czech.1 60330 20000 2013–14 Piráti Chomutov CZE U20 8510156 11012 2013–14 Piráti Chomutov ELH 4512312 ————— 2013–14 SK Kadaň Czech.1 50222 ————— 2014–15 Piráti Chomutov CZE U20 30666 ————— 2014–15 Piráti Chomutov Czech.1 4411132416 112576 2015–16 Piráti Chomutov ELH 42941322 80110 2015–16 Piráti Chomutov CZE U20 ————— 12022 2016–17 Piráti Chomutov ELH 5215163116 1537106 2017–18 Rockford IceHogs AHL 337111814 131012 2017–18 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 46471112 ————— 2018–19 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 634151914 ————— 2019–20 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 7088168 91016 2020–21 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 561111220 ————— 2021–22 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 8211152620 72026 2022–23 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 82720278 110334 2023–24 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 788111918 71010 2024–25 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 59581314 10000 2025–26 Toronto Marlies AHL 40110 ————— 2025–26 Vancouver Canucks NHL 3824610 ————— 2025–26 Washington Capitals NHL 20002 ————— ELH totals 141 25 22 47 50 34 5 13 18 12 NHL totals 5765099149126 3543716

International Kämpf (64) attempting to win a faceoff against the Detroit Red Wings in 2018. Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2012 Czech Republic U17 8th 5 0 0 0 4 2012 Czech Republic IH18 4th 5 1 0 1 0 2013 Czech Republic U18 7th 5 2 2 4 6 2014 Czech Republic WJC 6th 5 1 1 2 4 2015 Czech Republic WJC 6th 5 0 2 2 0 2022 Czechia WC 6 2 1 3 0 2024 Czechia WC 9 2 5 7 0 2025 Czechia WC 6th 1 0 0 0 0 2026 Czechia OG 8th 5 1 2 3 0 Junior totals 25 4 5 9 14 Senior totals 21 5 8 13 0