The good news for Toronto? Auston Matthews seems a lot more relaxed about his future. The bad news? Max Domi's injury could keep him out long-term.
It's been a roller coaster for the Maple Leafs over the last little bit. They finally got to talk to Auston Matthews and get his side of things, and it seems like things have started to level out when it comes to his hesitancy to stay. But they also got word of Max Domi's surgery complications and he may not touch the ice for a long time.
Yesterday we touched on the fact that John Chayka, Mats Sundin, and Auston Matthews finally held their long-awaited meeting to discuss the future of the captain and what he wants from the team. It was a positive discussion that hopefully leads to some big changes to give Toronto the edge next season.
The Good News: Auston Matthews' hesitancy has slowed down considerably
Well it seems like that meeting couldn't have gone better, and according to Chris Johnston it's really been beneficial in easing Matthews' concerns going forward:
I don't think it'll be the last conversation...I think things are in a good spot. I don't know if he said 100% unequivocally he'd be here.
He has a much better idea than a month ago of what they have in mind; there was a coaching change, they won the lottery, there's still things they have to do but it seems that some of the uncertainty may have dialled back.
That is massive news for Maple Leafs fans who were worried about the future of their captain, as it seems like as long as Chayka and Sundin continue to prove to him they are serious about winning then it's quite possible he extends past 2028.
Matthews is currently recovering from a torn MCL suffered in March, though is expected to be recovered in time for training camp, though we'll have to keep an eye and see if his explosiveness has taken a hit at all.
The Bad News: Max Domi's surgery complications put his season at risk
Now here comes the unfortunate part of the article. Johnston also revealed that Max Domi's complications are fairly serious and while he doesn't have any daily life issues stemming from them, his status as a hockey player is in doubt:
I get the sense he's okay on a human level, but there's a question as when he is back as a hockey player. The Leafs statement was big but it's a reflection of the fact they don't know. It's not clear if he's ready when camp open, season starts, or longer because they are looking through what the complications were.
It's not a good news story, but not grave. Delicate to navigate as I only have a small understanding. He's okay, but from a hockey perspective it might be long time before he plays hockey as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
No matter your opinion on Domi's placement in the lineup, it's genuinely tragic that in the process of trying to get healthy for this season, he faces an incredible setback. You never want to see a player's career at risk, and Domi for all his faults was still going to be integral to the lineup.
He's a veteran who may not give you defence but he's a solid supplementary piece so long as he's protected (and not playing centre). But Domi is still a player who can get you 35-40 points and provide leadership to the young players coming in like Gavin McKenna.
Now the team has to scramble to either find a free agent to replace him, a waiver claim, make a trade, or see if one of their AHL hopefuls like Luke Haymes or Bo Groulx can step in temporarily. Not only that, but losing the mentorship of Domi as these young players like McKenna are coming in is also another part of finding that player; you need contribution and leadership combined.
It shows the ultimate dichotomy of professional sports. As one player gets healthy and focuses on being dominant again, another trying to get healthy gets the worst possible outcome.
At least the Maple Leafs caught a break with Auston Matthews being so patient, because the injury bug has already bit them hard before the season started and John Chayka better have a backup plan.
Do you think Max Domi has played his last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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