Max Domi could have a big role for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, but as training camp opened, he got bad news.
Domi could replace Mitch Marner on the top line and play alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. However, as Maple Leafs camp opens, general manager Brad Treliving announced Domi is dealing with an injury and is considered day-to-day.
Treliving says Domi tweaked something, but it doesn’t appear to be serious.
“He has a lower-body injury,” Treliving said. “We anticipate it’s day- to-day. We anticipate he’s probably not going to practise in full tomorrow (Thursday), but hopefully shortly thereafter he will be good to go.”
However, Domi not being able to participate in the early stages of training camp isn’t good for him. The winger is in competition to compete on the top line, along with Mattias Maccelli, according to coach Craig Berube.
“I guess right now in my head, I look at Domi and Maccelli. Two guys who are great passers, they can pass the puck and make plays, that is what that line needs,” Berube said. “Got to make a play. So, that is where I’m looking at right now, will it work? I don’t know, I have to see it, and it takes time to form chemistry. Max does have some chemistry with Auston. Those two guys pop into my head that I want to look at with Matthews and Knies.”
Domi is entering the second year of his four-year, $15 million deal with the Maple Leafs.
Berube Called Out Domi Ahead of Camp
Although Berube says Domi is in competition for the top line, the coach called out the winger ahead of camp.
Berube says he needs Domi to shoot the puck more, which was his issue last season. Domi struggled to score, and the coach knows the Maple Leafs need him to chip in more offensively.
“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 recorded 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games.
Domi Could Play on Maple Leafs Top Line
Although Domi struggled offensively last season, he is in the running to play on the top line.
The Maple Leafs have a need on the top line, and Berube says Domi is one of multiple players who will get a look on the top line.
“Yeah, for sure. I think they’re all gonna get a look, I really do,” Berube added.
Domi can add some physicality to the lineup and also help pass the puck to Matthews.
Max Domi Gets Bad News as Maple Leafs Camp Opens