Max Domi has appeared to have earned a spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ top line.
The Maple Leafs were in need of a new first-line right winger after Mitch Marner left in the offseason. Toronto acquired Matias Maccelli to potentially earn the job, but Domi was also going to get a chance to earn the spot alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews.
Now, ahead of opening night, NHL insider Luke Fox of Sportsnet expects Domi to be on the top line on opening night, as he shared the expected lineup.
Forwards:
- Knies – Matthews – Domi
- McMann – Tavares – Nylander
- Joshua – Roy – Maccelli
- Lorentz – Laughton – Cowan
“A surprise injury or trade could still affect the landscape, but expect this group to dress for Thursday’s rehearsal versus the Detroit Red Wings, then rest up for Oct. 8’s home opener,” Fox wrote.
Domi obviously did enough to earn the first crack to play alongside Knies and Matthews. But, that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed that spot for multiple games, as Domi will need to have success and prove he belongs on the top line.
Domi is entering the second year of his four-year, $15 million deal with the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs Coach Wants More Out of Domi
Entering camp, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube made it clear that he wants Domi to be more aggressive this season.
Berube believes Domi needs to shoot the puck more and add more offense if he is going to stick on the top line.
“Yeah, definitely. I think he’s a guy that’s played with Matthews in the past and had success. He looks for (Matthews) and gets him the puck and that’s important,” Berube said to The Athletic. “I think that Max could work (there). It could work. But I think Max has to change just his mindset a little bit, playing with those guys on a consistent basis.
“It’s not always about looking for (Matthews) and finding (Matthews). It’s about Max, him shooting pucks, scoring goals and being that type of player,” Berube added. “You can’t always just be a one-headed monster. He’s gotta evolve a little bit and do other things out there with those guys. He’s capable of it for sure. It’s just a mindset for me with him.”
Domi struggled offensively last season as he recorded 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games.
Matthews Likes Playing With Domi
Domi earning the spot on the first line isn’t too much of a surprise, as he was getting the first chance to play with Matthews.
Domi played with Matthews last season at times, and the Maple Leafs captain says he enjoys playing with Domi.
“He kind of likes to play that give-and-go game, which I like,” Matthews said.
Knies, meanwhile, echoed Matthews’ words as he likes playing alongside Domi.
“I played with him before for a few games, so I know how he plays,” said Knies. “I know he can make a lot of plays and create space for us. He’s a really hard-nosed player who plays physical, plays below the goal line, could still make plays up top. So yeah, he’s a good addition to our line for sure.”
The Maple Leafs open their season on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Insider Shares Positive Outlook for Max Domi Ahead of Maple Leafs Season Opener