Capitals' David Kampf to be scratched against Vegas

The 31-year-old forward was acquired from Vancouver earlier this month.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:52pm

The Washington Capitals are expected to make David Kampf a healthy scratch for their upcoming game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Kampf, a 31-year-old forward, was recently acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on March 6 but has yet to make his debut for the Capitals.

Why it matters

Kampf's absence from the lineup suggests the Capitals are still evaluating how he fits into their roster and game plan. As a new addition to the team, his scratch could indicate the coaching staff wants more time to assess his skills and role before inserting him into the lineup.

The details

According to reports, Kampf joined the Capitals on their recent road trip but is not expected to play in Saturday's game against the Golden Knights. The Capitals are coming off a 7-4 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday, a game in which Kampf did not participate.

  • Kampf was acquired by the Capitals from the Vancouver Canucks on March 6, 2026.
  • The Capitals are scheduled to play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

David Kampf

A 31-year-old forward who was recently traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Washington Capitals.

Sammi Silber

A reporter for The Hockey News who reported on Kampf's expected healthy scratch against the Vegas Golden Knights.

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What they’re saying

“Kampf joined the team on the road ahead of Thursday's 7-4 win over Utah. The 31-year-old Kampf hasn't played yet for the Capitals after being acquired from Vancouver on March 6.”

— Sammi Silber, Reporter, The Hockey News

What’s next

The Capitals will continue to evaluate Kampf's fit with the team, and he could potentially make his debut for the Capitals in a future game if he impresses in practice.

The takeaway

Kampf's healthy scratch against Vegas suggests the Capitals are still determining how best to integrate the newly acquired forward into their lineup. As a mid-season trade addition, Kampf will need to earn his spot through strong performances in practice and patience from the coaching staff.