Montreal Canadiens Pursue David Kampf, But Vancouver Wins Out

The Montreal Canadiens made a bid to sign Czech center David Kampf after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs was terminated, but ultimately, he opted for a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. This development, confirmed by sports journalist Elliotte Friedman, highlights the Canadiens’ interest amid ongoing challenges within their roster.

During his segment “Staturday Headlines” on November 16, 2025, Friedman noted that the Canadiens had indeed approached Kampf, driven by the recent injury to teammate Alex Newhook. The injury to Newhook, who plays a pivotal role for the team, heightened the Canadiens’ need for a left-handed center capable of providing depth and support in the short term.

Kampf, a 30-year-old center, is recognized for his defensive capabilities and face-off proficiency. Despite his modest career statistics, including a personal best of 27 points in a single season, he represents a reliable option for teams seeking to strengthen their bottom six. The Canadiens believed that acquiring Kampf could help mitigate the impact of Newhook’s absence while improving overall team performance.

According to Friedman, the Canadiens reached out to Kampf’s representatives after assessing the severity of Newhook’s injury. The desire to add a left-handed player like Kampf reflects a strategic move to bolster their roster during a challenging phase of the season.

The Canadiens have faced difficulties lately, with recent losses exposing gaps in their lineup. Kent Hughes, the team’s general manager, now faces the pressing task of finding an alternative solution to replace Newhook and enhance the team’s competitive edge. The initial excitement of the season appears to be waning, and prompt action is essential for the Canadiens to regain momentum.

As the Canadiens navigate this period of uncertainty, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to these challenges. The search for a suitable replacement for Newhook remains a priority, and the Canadiens’ management will need to act swiftly to ensure improvements ahead of the season’s critical junctures.