Jan 18, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf (64) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d45754a1-e614-4ccb-bf86-13f1547a1233.jpeg] Jan 18, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf (64) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Kampf will take part in his third-ever IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship as he officially joins his home country, Czechia, for this year's tournament, the team announced on Wednesday [https://x.com/czehockey/status/1925234072021852564]. The 30-year-old is chasing his second-straight gold medal after playing a key role in Czechia’s run on home ice in Prague last year. It was the country's first gold at the tournament since 2010 and their 48th medal in team history. Kampf finished that tournament with seven points (2G, 5A) in nine games, including an empty-net goal in the final against Switzerland, and led the team with a plus-9 rating. This year, he enters the knockout stage with 10 points (4G, 6A) in 15 games across his previous two tournaments. Kampf also helped Czechia claim bronze in 2022, where the team defeated the United States 8-4 in the bronze medal game. That marked Czechia’s first IIHF medal since 2012. Czechia announced Kampf's addition just one day ahead of their quarterfinal showdown with this year’s host nation, Sweden. The matchup will feature a head-to-head battle with Maple Leaf teammate William Nylander and the Swedes on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. ET at Avicii Arena in Johanneshov, Sweden. Why Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Joined Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/17f93ae4-bfd2-499f-a3ff-d7d4da72910f.jpeg] Why Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Joined Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship Less than 24 hours after Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander said he was "thinking about" joining Team Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, he officially joins his home country for the tournament. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/why-maple-leafs-start-william-nylander-joined-sweden-at-the-2025-iihf-world-hockey-championship] With the Maple Leafs this season, Kampf appeared in 59 regular-season games, registering five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He was held off the scoresheet in one playoff appearance during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The forward has two years remaining on his four-year, $9.6 million contract with Toronto, which carries a $2.4 million cap hit annually. After a rocky season with his NHL club, Kampf will attempt to end the season on a high note in similar fashion to 2024. Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
