Toronto spent much their offseason building a roster not knowing when or even if Max Domi would be available for the 2026-27 season.
But if he is then it completely changes Jim Hiller's game plan for the lineup in 2026-27, and he'll have a much different group to choose from than the one currently projected to take the ice. Domi's versatility would give Hiller another option but also possibly create an issue with John Tavares, Gavin McKenna, or anyone in the Top-9.
Domi underwent surgery towards the end of April however news came out that complications arising from the surgery led to him being unable to walk briefly, and the team announced he would be out indefinitely with a reevaluation scheduled at the start of training camp.
There's always a chance he is healthy, and if he is able to play that would make things interesting for new head coach Jim Hiller.
Max Domi gives Jim Hiller another versatile forward option
Right now, the Maple Leafs have a bit of a logjam up the middle as they currently have the following centres:
- Auston Matthews
- John Tavares
- Nick Paul
- Colton Sissons
- Teddy Blueger
- Jack Roslovic
Adding Domi into the mix complicates things a bit however he does have a bit of a leg up on the newcomers due to his familiarity with his teammates and how they play on the ice.
Sissons and Blueger provide defensive responsibility in the bottom-six, Roslovic offers more scoring potential and Paul brings size and versatility being able to play wing and centre.
Hiller could just as easily slide Domi up the middle if he wanted to add a bit more offensive potential up the middle, but he would need to make sure that a player like Blueger or Sissons is on the wing to help with retrieving pucks, exiting the zone and facing tougher matchups.
Or Domi could utilize his creativity and playmaking to slide over to the wing which not only opens up things a little more for him but also relieves him of worrying about defence, and he can play anywhere from first line to fourth - so Hiller has some flexibility.
He still offers offensive help and has 87 assists over his time with the Maple Leafs, so he's still got value he just needs to be put in the right situation to thrive - specifically finishers who can take advantage of his playmaking ability.
A healthy Domi creates a tough decision in the Top-9 for the Maple Leafs
If Domi were to find himself in the lineup, we could see a potential top-nine like this:
Knies - Matthews - Domi
McKenna - Tavares - Nylander
Cowan - Paul - Roslovic
Sissons - Blueger - Joshua
Domi's familiar with both Knies and Matthews, and if Hiller wants to get Matthews comfortable quickly then giving him someone he has chemistry with is a good start. However, that would likely push McKenna down to the second line to give him a bit less pressure right away and a chance to learn beside Tavares and Nylander.
Unfortunately, Cowan is the casualty who gets pushed down to the third line though it's not entirely negative for him.
He'll get a chance to grow with a bit less pressure and having Roslovic - a multiple 20-goal scorer - should open up some playmaking opportunities. But it does bring into question whether Toronto wants to give him sheltered minutes, or have him play himself into a better spot in the lineup if he is pushed down.
Lastly but arguably just as important, Domi is going to take up a roster spot and cap space if healthy. Toronto only gets his LTIR relief if he doesn't start the season and he's placed there.
But if he's available that means the team needs to be cap compliant while also ensuring they have some room to work with for future moves.
There's definitely some positives that Max Domi can bring to the lineup, and it's a great to see him maker progress in a situation that was initially very scary. His versatility and offensive potential can help the top-nine, but it also causes some internal competition with the younger players like Cowan and Jim Hiller needs to weigh the risks of having a familiar face vs. growing the future.
Domi may not automatically transform the Maple Leafs but him being healthy could give Jim Hiller another viable and versatile option in his lineup.
Do you think Toronto is better or worse with Max Domi in the lineup?
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