Craig Berube Signals Possible Benching for Leafs Forward Hurting the Team

Comments made by Craig Berube indicate the possibility that the Leafs could make a drastic playoff swap ahead of Game 6, a must-win as a loss eliminates the team from the postseason.

Berube already made a strong decision in benching both Calle Jarnkrok & Pontus Holmberg for Nick Robertson & David Kampf, the latter scoring Toronto's sole tally in a lowly 6-1 defeat.

Another major roster change can be looming, with Berube hinting that the next possible roster move may come to Max Domi.

Domi, 30, has struggled this postseason with staying consistent, having five points in 11 games, as well as leading all forwards with 33 penalty minutes, including a misconduct in Game 5.

The penalties haven't exactly been the smartest of decisions ever, with Domi purposefully being an agitator, and as a result costing them when he gets sent to the box.

Now, Max Domi's poor choices may lead him to sitting out in the Leafs' biggest game of the season so far.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked if, with the penalty trouble Domi has gotten himself into, he would consider benching the forward, something Berube isn't ruling out, but that he would talk to Domi about his issues staying out of trouble.

Domi has never been a stranger to creating conflict on the ice from his days in junior to now, a similar trait found in his dad, former Leafs grinder Tie, although where the elder Domi was known to be a bruiser, a bit more is expected of the more offensively skilled Max.

Tie Domi got away with a lack of offence because it was never expected of him in his role as an energy forward, but Domi is asked to provide some offence as well, and keep out of trouble.

Domi was already dropped from the second line alongside John Tavares & William Nylander, and hasn't been able to earn his spot back either, looking more likely a demotion than a promotion as of right now.

Leafs reporter James Mirtle spoke earlier on the Domi situation and not only indicated the possibility of Domi being benched for Game 6, but also if Domi is done in Toronto after this season.

Mirtle speculated on whether the Leafs would move on from Domi, something he sees Toronto doing, but questioning the suitor's willingness to engage in talks with Domi, as he has three years left on his deal at $ 3.75M.

If the Leafs fail to beat the Florida Panthers and are eliminated, Game 5 may have been Max Domi's last chance to prove himself in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup for good.