Trading Max Domi Not So Simple for Leafs, Especially with Recent Comments from Auston Matthews
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today
Max Domi trade rumors are heating up, but moving the fiery forward might be challenging, as he's developed a strong connection with his Leafs teammates.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are desperate for center depth, and trade speculation is swirling around Max Domi, who they re-signed to a four-year, $3.75 million per season contract with the hope that he could potentially play center when they needed him to.
However, that plan hasn't gone over as expected this season, and Domi's performance has been underwhelming overall, especially for a player with such strong ties to his hometown.
Despite these struggles, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke highly of Domi on Monday, potentially quelling any trade rumors.
Here are some of Matthews' comments, per Leafs Latest on X:
"He's the same person every day, and that's something I've really noticed early on and admire about him because it's not easy. The season brings a lot of ups and downs, and it's a bit of a roller coaster at times, but you'll never see him show that.
He comes in as the same guy every day, brings good energy, and always says hi to everyone. He gives more taps on the ass than any teammate I've ever seen, and that's something I really appreciate."
He comes in as the same guy every day, brings good energy, and always says hi to everyone. He gives more taps on the ass than any teammate I've ever seen, and that's something I really appreciate."
Domi has struggled to find his rhythm this season, registering only 3 goals and 19 points in 44 games.
Head coach Craig Berube has also expressed a desire for Domi to shoot the puck more, noting that he tends to look for a pass even when a clear shot is available.
Recently, Domi took Mitch Marner's spot on the top line at practice amid speculation that Marner may miss some time. However, it remains uncertain whether Domi will get an actual opportunity to play on the top line or if he'll be a healthy scratch.
If Marner is healthy, Domi's appearance on the top line could have simply been a practice fill-in, leaving Domi without a clear spot in the lineup.
Regardless of his status, Domi needs to improve his play. If he's going to log minutes on the first line with Matthews, there's no better way to repay his captain's kind words than by performing at a higher level and showing the organization why they re-signed him in the first place.
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