The Vancouver Canucks weren’t the only Canadian NHL team vying for NHL veteran David Kämpf.

After having his contract terminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs last week, the Czech became a free agent. Being a solid bottom-six centre, there was a lot of interest in Kämpf across the league. Obviously, it was the Canucks who were able to secure a contract with him, but they were far from the only interested party.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the latest edition of Saturday Headlines, the Montreal Canadiens were also hot on the heels of Kämpf before he decided to join the Canucks.

“I do believe that Montreal, after Alex Newhook got injured in that brutal injury, I do think Montreal made a pitch,” Friedman said. “It was going to be tough for everybody to beat Vancouver here. I think the Canucks had the most need and the most determination to get him.”

“What I’m hearing is that they want to make hockey trades, roster for roster.” @FriedgeHNIC‘s Saturday Headlines starts with a conversation about the Maple Leafs before chatting about the Jack Hughes injury, and more ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/7D8b4oOvbK

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 16, 2025

Vancouver’s search for a top-nine centreman has been going on since the summer. While many fans may have wanted the Canucks to aim higher with the acquisition, there is no question that Kämpf brings a lot of NHL experience to the table.

Injuries to Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger have also put Vancouver into a more desperate situation. As it stands, without Kämpf, the Canucks are relying on recent AHL promotions Max Sasson and Aatu Räty to take care of second and third line centre duties, respectively.

Getting Kämpf on a cheap one-year deal will allow them a little more time to get healthy and provide more bottom-six options for the remainder of the season.

Considering the reported interest in the 30-year-old, this wound up being a tidy bit of business for GM Patrik Allvin. The focus will shift to how he fits in with his new team and when he will make his debut.

Vancouver is set to be back in action on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning.