Veteran Center Kampf Joins Canucks Amid Defensive Woes

On November 15, 2025, the Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of veteran center David Kampf to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. This move comes just a day after Kampf's previous four-year, $2.4 million annual deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs was terminated.

Kampf, who scored 5 goals and 13 points in 59 games last season, is expected to provide the Canucks with a proven two-way center and a boost to their struggling penalty kill. The Canucks have faced defensive challenges under first-year coach Adam Foote, allowing the fifth-most goals per game in the NHL at 3.53 and having the league's worst penalty kill at 66.1%.

The Canucks' center depth has also been tested, with injuries to players like Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger. Kampf's arrival gives the team another veteran option down the middle as they look to climb the standings in the Pacific Division, where they currently sit second-to-last with 8 wins, 9 losses, and 2 overtime losses.