Maple Leafs Setting a Clear Mandate for Max Domi Ahead of His Return
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have set a new expectation for playmaking forward Max Domi ahead of his anticipated return to the lineup in New Jersey, following a three week layoff for the 2nd generation Leaf.
Max Domi has been sidelined since the 16th of November when the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Edmonton Oilers in overtime. Through 19 games this season, the veteran has posted 0 goals and 6 assists as he looks to finally come off of injured reserve tonight.
After missing out on the last 8 games and having been placed on the IR, Domi feels a lot more refreshed and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team out, as reported by Nick Barden of The Hockey News.
"And in my case, it was just a decision that we decided the rest would benefit, not just myself, but the group as well."
Craig Berube has a different outlook on Domi's season so far and has essentially set a mandate for the veteran upon his return that he wants to see him shoot the puck instead of looking to be creative with his playmaking capabilities.
While being goal-less can affect even the best of players in today's game, Domi has more of a relaxed attitude about his donut, but once again reiterated his willingness to help the team out in any way, shape, or form.
Berube -- just like everyone else in Toronto -- is very aware of how important the core players have been for the Maple Leafs, considering they've chipped in 57 of the 80 goals to date. He's hoping that Domi and Nicholas Robertson can provide secondary scoring to alleviate some of the pressure off their top players.
Domi is expected to return to the lineup against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday evening and will assuredly be on the hunt for points of any kind, as he is currently riding a 13-game pointless drought.
