Reporter reveals what a Max Domi extension with the Leafs looks like
If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to keep Max Domi, a contract extension will be dependent on him wanting to take less according to one Leafs reporter.
The Leafs signed Max Domi to a 1-year, $3M contract on the second day of free agency this past off-season. At the time, Leaf fans were ecstatic about having another Domi on the roster. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm wore off quickly after a tough start for the 29-year-old. Domi had just four points in his first 11 games in the blue and white and didn't score his first goal of the season until December against the Boston Bruins. While he hasn't scored many times this season, having just nine tallies on the season and having scored just twice in his last 21 game games, Domi's play has been up and down, though it is admittedly much better of late.
Skating with Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi on the Leafs' top line, Domi has 14 assists in those same 21 games. Although some may want and expect more production from him, he has brought plenty of intangibles to the Leafs this season, and as the games have gotten to become more playoff-like, his game has gotten better, which is why he was brought to Toronto in the first place. When GM Brad Treliving and the Leafs signed Domi (and Bertuzzi for that matter), it was to help the team in the playoffs, when games become tougher, more physical and gritty. Last post-season with the Dallas Stars, Domi had 13 points in 19 games, helping to produce the secondary offense the Stars needed and the Leafs will surely need once again this post-season.
What would an extension for Max Domi look like?
Domi's last four contracts have all been one or two-year deals and at the age of 29, he is likely looking for security more than money. That has led many Leaf fans to be hopeful about him signing an extension. On yesterday's JD Bunkis podcast, Leafs reporter James Mirtle and host JD Bunkis discussed what a potential extension would look like for him.
Bunkis weighed in and stated that a $4M AAV on a four-year term would be a high price to pay for Domi.
While Mirtle agreed, like many others probably would, the Leafs would be better off keeping one of Domi or Bertuzzi instead of losing both and with Domi seemingly more willing to take less, he is the likelier of the two to stay. Last week, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman spent the majority of his '32 Thoughts' podcast talking about the Leafs and had reported that all is quiet on the extension front for Domi currently. That shouldn't come as a surprise, though, as the Leafs are in the middle of preparing for a playoff push.
Domi appears to be enjoying his time wearing the blue and white and was quoted as saying he was "blessed" to be able to play along side Auston Matthews, so it would not be surprising in the slightest if he signed an extension shortly after the season ends.
| POLL | ||
11 AVRIL | 485 ANSWERS Reporter reveals what a Max Domi extension with the Leafs looks like Would you be happy if Max Domi signed an extension to remain in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 319 | 65.8 % |
| No, the money is needed for the blueline | 14 | 2.9 % |
| Depends on the term and dollars | 152 | 31.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
