Domi comments on being moved to centre
The Leafs straight up haven't looked good this season. Despite completing several exciting signings this summer, the team looks lost. Not only is their defensive game lacking, their offensive game has disappeared with the exception of the Core 4. Couple that with inconsistent goaltending and you've got a team that should be a contender sitting outside of a playoff spot after the first month of the season. A less than ideal situation for a new GM and a coach that started the season on a short leash.
One of those new signings that hasn't worked out thus far is Max Domi. With no goals and just 4 points through 11 games, his stat sheet is starting to resemble his father's, outside of the PIMs column that is. So far, Domi has been a failure on the wing, now he'll get a chance to take over the 3C slot as Sheldon Keefe rolled out new look lines today at practice that saw Domi flanked by Calle Jarnkrok and Pontus Holmberg.
This is not a new position for Domi. He's played centre for much of his career, but this is his first time playing centre for the Leafs. He was asked about moving to the middle after practice today.
"At this point in this career, I'll play left wing, right, wherever you need me to play. It's all for the better of the team so if that's what Keefer feels is best for the group then I'm ready to do that." - Max Domi on being played at centre
According to Sheldon Keefe, Domi has already skated at centre for the Leafs this season, just not on a regular shift.
"They're usually coming at the end of power plays, penalty kills and stuff like that. He's done a pretty good job of it on the fly, but he hasn't had the practice reps and want to make sure he got that today." - Sheldon Keefe
At this point, I'm willing to try anything to get this team going. Auston Matthews probably can't score at a goal per game pace all season. They need to find some secondary scoring eventually, especially if their defence and goaltending continue to play the way they have. Domi will have a true test in his first game on his new line, the Leafs will play against Tampa, who still appear to be upset over how their season ended last spring, tomorrow night.
POLL |
NOVEMBRE 5 | 383 ANSWERS Domi comments on being moved to centre Who should be the Leafs' third line centre? |
Domi | 235 | 61.4 % |
Holmberg | 34 | 8.9 % |
Kampf | 58 | 15.1 % |
Nylander | 56 | 14.6 % |
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Previously on MapleLeafsDaily