Cut by Maple Leafs, David Kampf in positive frame of mind in return to Toronto

David Kampf has little interest in dwelling on the past.

The veteran centre makes his return to Toronto on Saturday night as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, not quite two months after the Maple Leafs terminated his contract.

That came after Kampf walked away from the Toronto Marlies after playing in a handful of games for the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate.

“I don’t want to talk about it too much, but I just made a decision and I think I’m happy about my decision and I’m here and I’m moving forward,” Kampf said after the morning skate at Scotiabank Arena.

“I wouldn’t say (he has a) chip (on his shoulder), but of course I’m excited. I have a lot of friends on the other side.

“I was here four years, a long time, so it’s always good to come back.”

One-year pact

Kampf signed a one-year contract with the Canucks on Nov. 15. In 22 games prior to Saturday, the 30-year-old had two goals and one assist and was averaging 15 minutes 15 seconds of ice time a game.

Kampf capably filled a role as the Leafs’ fourth-line centre for four seasons, but was a healthy scratch in the playoffs last spring after the club acquired Scott Laughton at the trade deadline. At training camp this year, it was clear that Kampf no longer was in the Leafs’ plans.

“There are decisions that have to be made, but I’m glad he’s back playing,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said on Saturday morning.

Kampf recently was named to Czechia’s roster for the Winter Olympics in February in Italy. It will be his first experience at the Olympics following three stints with Czechia at the world championship.

“It means a lot,” Kampf said. “It’s a big tournament for us, for the whole Czech Republic, so I’m excited I got picked and I can play.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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