What happened: After nine NHL seasons, David Kampf has signed a three-year contract with HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraliga. The Washington Capitals had previously traded his signing rights to the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Alex Tuch deal, but Buffalo opted not to sign him.
Why it matters: The transaction officially marks the end of his North American tenure, which began with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2017-18 season. Returning to Europe provides the forward with long-term stability and a consistent role. The decision also provides finality to the Tuch transaction for the Sabres' offseason planning.
By the numbers: Kampf tallied two goals and six points across 40 games last season split between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington, while maintaining a 52.3 percent faceoff win rate. Over 576 career NHL appearances with Chicago, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver, and Washington, he accumulated 50 goals, 99 assists, and 498 hits.
What to watch: The Czech Extraliga schedule begins this upcoming fall. Buffalo will proceed with building out its forward depth chart for the 2026-27 season.