Background
Kampfer was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but grew up in Jackson, Michigan.
Kampfer was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but grew up in Jackson, Michigan.
University of Michigan.
He was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the 4th round (93rd overall) of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Collegiate
Kampfer played four seasons with the University of Michigan before turning professional. During an altercation on October 12, 2008, Kampfer suffered a serious head injury at the hands of a Michigan football player.
Professional
On March 2, 2010, the Anaheim Ducks traded Kampfer to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a conditional 4th-round draft pick.
The Bruins signed him to a three-year entry-level contract and assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, for the remainder of the 2009-2010 AHL season. Kampfer started the 2010-2011 National Hockey League season playing in the American Hockey League for the Providence Bruins, but in early December he was promoted to the National Hockey League, on an emergency basis, to fill in for the injured Mark Stuart.
Kampfer scored his first National Hockey League point in his third National Hockey League game on December 15, 2010, against the Buffalo Sabres. His first National Hockey League goal was scored on December 28 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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 honours for the night.
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, have added a much needed element to the Boston Bruins as of January 13, 2011. Kampfer suffered a minor knee injury on April 9, 2011, while playing a game for the AHL"s Providence Bruins, and he has been recuperating since that time.
Though the team petitioned the league to include both Kampfer and injured center Marc Savard on the cup, Savard"s name was included, but Kampfer was not.
At the 2012 National Hockey League Trade Deadline, Kampfer was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defensemen Greg Zanon. On July 1, 2014, Kampfer agreed to a one-year two-way contract with the New York Rangers.
On October 6, 2014, Kampfer and Andrew Yogan were traded by the Rangers to the Florida Panthers in return for Joey Crabb.