Steven Kampfer

Steven Kampfer
Kampfer with the Boston Bruins in 2012
Born (1988-09-24) September 24, 1988 (age 35)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 198 lb (90 kg; 14 st 2 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Right
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Former teams		 Utah NHL team
Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
Boston Bruins
Minnesota Wild
Florida Panthers
New York Rangers
Ak Bars Kazan
National team  United States
NHL draft 93rd overall, 2007
Anaheim Ducks
Playing career 2010–present

Steven Allan Kampfer (born September 24, 1988) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Utah NHL team in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Kampfer was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but grew up in Jackson, Michigan.

Playing career

As a youth, Kampfer played in the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Little Caesars minor ice hockey team.[1]

Collegiate

Kampfer played four seasons with the University of Michigan from 2006–2010, with 60 points in 147 games.[2] On October 12, 2008, Kampfer was involved in an incident in which he engaged in a late-night argument with a woman outside of a bar after she allegedly made flirtatious remarks to other men in order to antagonize Kampfer. After the argument, Kampfer engaged in an altercation with Michigan football player Michael Milano, a friend of the woman. Words were exchanged before Milano attacked Kampfer, resulting in Kampfer suffering a serious head injury. Milano was later convicted of aggravated assault.[3][4][5]

Professional

Kampfer was selected by the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.[6] On March 2, 2010, the Ducks traded the rights to Kampfer to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick.[7][a] The Bruins signed him to a three-year entry-level contract and assigned him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins, for the remainder of the 2009–10 AHL season.[9]

Kampfer as a Ranger during an exhibition game in October 2014

Kampfer started the 2010–11 NHL season playing in the AHL for the Providence Bruins, but in early December, he was promoted to the NHL, on an emergency basis, to fill in for the injured Mark Stuart.[10] Kampfer made his NHL debut with the Bruins on December 9, 2010, in a 5–2 home win over the New York Islanders.[11] His first NHL goal was scored on December 28 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.[12] Kampfer recorded his first multi-point game on January 13, 2011, against the Philadelphia Flyers when he scored the game-winning goal with 1:14 remaining in the game to earn the first star honors for the night.[13] Kampfer's high average ice time during his first 17 games as a Bruin, combined with the confidence shown by the coach in power play and key defensive situations, were intended to help make his case for a more permanent position on the roster, as when defenseman Mark Stuart was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers on February 18, 2011, center Rich Peverley was acquired in return, and Kampfer's continued presence with the Bruins proved valuable. His speed and ability to jump into the play, as recommended by the coaching staff, added a much-needed element to the Boston Bruins as of January 13, 2011.[14]

Kampfer suffered a minor knee injury on April 9, 2011, while playing a game for the AHL's Providence Bruins.[15] As a result, he was not able to rejoin the Boston team during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.[16] Kampfer played in 38 games, three short of what is required to have his name engraved onto the Stanley Cup. Though the team petitioned the league to include Kampfer, injured center Marc Savard and defenseman Shane Hnidy on the cup,[17] Savard's name was included, but Kampfer and Hnidy were not based on the 41-game qualification. Boston gave Kampfer a Stanley Cup ring and was given a day with the cup.[18]

Kampfer missed the opening games of the 2011–12 NHL season due to a knee injury to the other leg suffered during training camp. He returned to the lineup playing alongside Andrew Ference in a 6–2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 21, 2011.[19] Kampfer saw spot duty for the Bruins that season, only appearing in ten games and none after January 31. At the 2012 NHL Trade Deadline on February 27, Kampfer was traded from the Bruins to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defensemen Greg Zanon.[20] He was initially assigned to Minnesota's AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros, but was recalled in March.[21] He scored his first goal for Minnesota in a 3–2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on March 8, 2012.[22] He appeared in 13 games with Minnesota, registering two goals and three points.[23] The following year the NHL season was delayed due to the 2012–13 NHL lockout and Kampfer remained with Houston, suffering a knee injury. Once NHL play resumed, Kampfer suffered another injury, a concussion, that kept him out of the lineup.[24] Kampfer re-signed with the Wild in the offseason to a one-year, two-way contract on June 28, 2013.[23] Kampfer spent the majority of the 2013–14 season with Minnesota's new AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, playing in 69 games, scoring six goals and 26 points.[25]

On July 1, 2014, Kampfer agreed to a one-year two-way contract with the New York Rangers.[25][26] During training camp, Kampfer was competing with Matt Hunwick for the final defense spot on the roster. Hunwick won the position and Kampfer was to be loaned to the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.[27] However, on October 6, 2014, Kampfer and Andrew Yogan were traded by the Rangers to the Florida Panthers in return for Joey Crabb in order to open a roster spot for Anthony Duclair.[28][29] He spent the majority of the season with Florida's AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, setting a career high in goals in a season in the AHL with eight.[6] He saw his first action with Florida on February 5, 2015 and even saw time playing as a forward.[24] During the 2015–16 season, Kampfer played in 47 games with the Panthers, registering four points.[6]

During the 2016–17 season, Kampfer was placed on waivers after one game with the Panthers. After clearing, Kampfer was subsequently dealt back to the Rangers on November 8, 2016, along with a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2018, in exchange for Dylan McIlrath.[6] He was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.[30] Kampfer was recalled by the Rangers on February 28 after injuries to Kevin Klein and Dan Girardi.[31] He played in his first game for the Rangers on February 28, 2017 versus the Washington Capitals.[32] The same day, the Rangers acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from the Detroit Red Wings[33] and Kampfer was returned to Hartford on March 1.[32] He was recalled again on March 6.[34] During the 2017–18 season, Kampfer played 26 games with the Rangers but his season ended on February 11, 2018[35] when his hand was broken by a shot from Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets.[36]

On September 11, 2018, Kampfer, a 2019 fourth-round pick, and a conditional seventh-round pick were traded by the Rangers to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Adam McQuaid.[37] He played 35 games with the Bruins during the 2018–19 season, scoring three goals and six points.[38] On June 25, 2019 Kampfer signed a two-year contract extension with the Bruins.[39] During the pandemic-disrupted 2019–20 season, Kampfer appeared in ten games for the Bruins, registering two points. However, Kampfer opted out of returning to the ice when the NHL resumed play during the season.[40]

Following his 11th professional season, Kampfer left the NHL as a free agent and signed his first contract abroad in agreeing to a one-year deal with Russian-based Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on July 5, 2021.[41] Shouldering a greater responsibility and workload with Ak Bars in the 2021–22 season, Kampfer produced his highest points totals since 2014 in recording career-high 11 goals and 30 points through 46 regular season games.

As a free agent following Ak Bars playoff exit, Kampfer returned to North America and agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings on May 23, 2022.[42] To begin the 2022–23 season, Kampfer was assigned to add a veteran presence to AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He made 44 appearances on the blueline for the Griffins, posting 4 goals and 22 points before he was traded by the Red Wings to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for future considerations on March 9, 2023.[43] He was assigned to Arizona's AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, to finish the season.[44] On June 20, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Coyotes.[45] Kampfer attended the Coyotes' 2023 training camp, but was assigned to Tucson to start the 2023–24 season.[46] He was named the Roadrunners' new captain on October 21, 2023.[44]

International play

On January 13, 2022, Kampfer was named to the United States men's national team to compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics as an assistant captain.[47]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2004–05 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 47 6 13 19 91 13 2 5 7 12
2005–06 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 56 6 10 16 99 — — — — —
2006–07 University of Michigan CCHA 35 1 3 4 24 — — — — —
2007–08 University of Michigan CCHA 42 2 15 17 36 — — — — —
2008–09 University of Michigan CCHA 25 1 12 13 24 — — — — —
2009–10 University of Michigan CCHA 45 3 23 26 50 — — — — —
2009–10 Providence Bruins AHL 6 1 2 3 4 — — — — —
2010–11 Providence Bruins AHL 22 3 13 16 12 — — — — —
2010–11 Boston Bruins NHL 38 5 5 10 12 — — — — —
2011–12 Boston Bruins NHL 10 0 2 2 4 — — — — —
2011–12 Providence Bruins AHL 12 1 3 4 8 — — — — —
2011–12 Minnesota Wild NHL 13 2 1 3 2 — — — — —
2011–12 Houston Aeros AHL — — — — — 4 0 0 0 2
2012–13 Houston Aeros AHL 55 4 17 21 28 5 1 1 2 9
2013–14 Iowa Wild AHL 69 6 20 26 48 — — — — —
2014–15 San Antonio Rampage AHL 42 8 11 19 49 — — — — —
2014–15 Florida Panthers NHL 25 2 2 4 12 — — — — —
2015–16 Florida Panthers NHL 47 0 4 4 26 — — — — —
2016–17 Hartford Wolf Pack AHL 43 4 15 19 44 — — — — —
2016–17 New York Rangers NHL 10 1 1 2 2 — — — — —
2017–18 New York Rangers NHL 22 0 1 1 20 — — — — —
2018–19 Boston Bruins NHL 35 3 3 6 22 3 1 0 1 0
2018–19 Providence Bruins AHL 3 1 1 2 2 — — — — —
2019–20 Boston Bruins NHL 10 0 2 2 2 — — — — —
2019–20 Providence Bruins AHL 22 3 6 9 16 — — — — —
2020–21 Boston Bruins NHL 20 2 3 5 4 — — — — —
2021–22 Ak Bars Kazan KHL 46 11 19 30 49 6 2 2 4 2
2022–23 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 44 4 18 22 26 — — — — —
2022–23 Tucson Roadrunners AHL 15 2 5 7 12 3 0 1 1 0
2023–24 Tucson Roadrunners AHL 45 3 19 22 33 2 0 1 1 0
NHL totals 231 15 24 39 110 3 1 0 1 0

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 United States OG 5th 4 1 3 4 2
Senior totals 4 1 3 4 2

Awards and honors

Award Year
College
CCHA All-Tournament Team 2009, 2010 [48]

Notes

  1. ^ The fourth-round pick was later traded by Anaheim to the Carolina Hurricanes along with Justin Pogge in exchange for Aaron Ward.[8] The Hurricanes selected Justin Shugg with the pick.

References

  1. ^ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. ^ "Steve Kampfer Hockey Stats and Profile". hockeyDB.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  3. ^ Aisner, Art (January 30, 2009). "Steven Kampfer testifies former Wolverines player attacked him; hearing resumes next week". MLive. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  4. ^ Aisner, Art. "Former Wolverines walk-on acquitted of felony assault, convicted of misdemeanor". The Ann Arbor News. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  5. ^ Pasch, Luke (December 11, 2011). "Misunderstood". Michigan Daily. University of Michigan. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  6. ^ a b c d "Rangers Acquire Defenseman Steven Kampfer". New York Rangers. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016 – via NHL.com.
  7. ^ "Bruins acquire rights to defenceman Kampfer". CBC Sports. March 2, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  8. ^ "Veteran Defenceman Aaron Ward Moves West for G Justin Pogge and a Draft Pick". The Canadian Press. March 3, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  9. ^ "Bruins Sign Joe Colborne, Jordan Caron, Michael Hutchinson and Steven Kampfer". NESN. March 31, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  10. ^ "What's Bruin': Mark Stuart out for six weeks, Steven Kampfer recalled from Providence; B's finally connect in OT". MassLive.com. December 8, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  11. ^ Vega, Michael (December 9, 2010). "Final: Bruins 5, Islanders 2". Boston.com. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  12. ^ "Mark Recchi's late goal in the 3rd lifts Bruins by Lightning". ESPN. Associated Press. December 28, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  13. ^ "Steve Kampfer's goal breaks tie as Bruins stun Flyers". ESPN. Associated Press. January 14, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  14. ^ "Steven Kampfer Finding His Scoring Touch in Pro Game, Sparks Bruins With Late Goal Against Flyers". NESN. January 14, 2011. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  15. ^ "Steven Kampfer Sustains Undetermined Injury on Assignment With Providence Bruins". NESN. April 10, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  16. ^ Loftus, Mike (May 6, 2011). "Boston Bruins defenseman Steven Kampfer hopes to benefit from frustrating injury experience". The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
  17. ^ Yerdon, Joe (June 17, 2011). "Bruins looking into getting Marc Savard and Steve Kampfer's names on Stanley Cup". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  18. ^ Haggerty, Joe (September 28, 2011). "Kampfer coming to grips with Cup absence". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  19. ^ Loftus, Mike (October 21, 2011). "Boston Bruins defenseman Steven Kampfer returns, stabilizes lineup". The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  20. ^ "Reports: Bruins deal for Rolston, Mottau, Zanon". National Hockey League. February 27, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  21. ^ Brothers, Bruce (March 3, 2012). "Minnesota Wild report: Steven Kampfer gets call-up from Houston". Pioneer Press. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  22. ^ "Wild edge Coyotes 3-2 in shootout". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. March 8, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  23. ^ a b "Minnesota Wild Re-Signs Defenseman Steven Kampfer". Iowa Wild. July 2, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  24. ^ a b Cagen, Dan (March 31, 2015). "Former Bruin Steven Kampfer back in NHL with Panthers". MetroWest Daily News. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  25. ^ a b McGowan, Rich (July 1, 2014). "Jackson native Steven Kampfer signs with New York Rangers". MLive.com. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  26. ^ "Rangers agree to terms with Steven Kampfer". New York Rangers. July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.[dead link]
  27. ^ Mundy, Chip (October 6, 2014). "Jackson native, former University of Michigan defenseman Steve Kampfer traded from New York Rangers to Florida Panthers". MLive.com. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  28. ^ "Rangers get Crabb from Panthers". ESPN. Associated Press. October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  29. ^ "New York Rangers trade for Florida forward Joey Crabb". Sports Illustrated. October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  30. ^ "Pack Receive Defenseman Steven Kampfer, McIlrath Traded". Hartford Wolf Pack. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  31. ^ "Rangers' Steve Kampfer: Recalled from AHL". CBS Sports. February 28, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "Rangers Assign Steven Kampfer to Hartford" (Press release). Hartford Wolf Pack. March 1, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2023 – via oursportscentral.com.
  33. ^ Kreda, Allen (February 28, 2017). "Rangers Acquire Defenseman Brendan Smith From Red Wings". The New York Times. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  34. ^ "New York Rangers recall F Tanner Glass, D Steven Kampfer". UPI. March 6, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  35. ^ Carpiniello, Rick (July 23, 2018). "Rangers offseason evaluation series: John Gilmour, Tony DeAngelo, Rob O'Gara, Steven Kampfer and Ryan Sproul". The Athletic. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  36. ^ Tasch, Justin (February 12, 2018). "Glen Sather to remain Rangers' president at least through next season". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  37. ^ "Bruins Trade Adam McQuaid To Rangers, Receive Picks And Steven Kampfer In Return". CBS Sports. September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  38. ^ "Bruins bring back D Kampfer on 2-year deal". TSN. June 24, 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  39. ^ "Bruins sign D Steven Kampfer to 2-year deal". USA Today. Associated Press. June 25, 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  40. ^ "Bruins D Kampfer opts out of Return to Play". TSN. July 11, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  41. ^ "Стивен Кэмпфер – в "Ак Барсе"!" [Steven Kampfer at Ak Bars] (in Russian). Ak Bars Kazan. July 5, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  42. ^ "Red Wings sign Steven Kampfer to one-year deal". Detroit Red Wings. May 23, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  43. ^ "Coyotes acquire Steven Kampfer from Detroit for future considerations". Arizona Coyotes. March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  44. ^ a b "Steven Kampfer Named Roadrunners Captain". Tucson Roadrunners. October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  45. ^ "Coyotes Sign Kampfer to One-Year Contract". NHL.com. June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.[dead link]
  46. ^ "Coyotes' Steven Kampfer: Lands on waivers". CBS Sports. October 2, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  47. ^ "2022 Olympic Winter Games | U.S. Men's Roster". USA Hockey. January 20, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  48. ^ "2012-13 CCHA Media Guide". ISSUU.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.

External links