Maple Leafs Shake Things Up as Max Domi Returns on a New Line
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs shook things up on Wednesday at practice which also saw the much anticipated return of Max Domi after a rough start to his training camp.
It's back to business for the Toronto Maple Leafs after their 3-2 OT loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, with the team looking ahead to Thursday's clash with the Montreal Canadiens.
Max Domi's Return Brings Immediate Line Changes
That means it's practice time on Wednesday, and there were some positives coming out of camp as well with the return of Max Domi to the ice, which also brought itself a slew of new line combinations:
While today's practice seems to involve a heavy Marlies influence, it is interesting that the veteran forward was being put in what could be considered a third line role with the team alongside Dakota Joshua and Nic Roy.
It's a much different spot than where Domi was expected to be, and he may face some stiff competition after teammate Matias Maccelli made and impressive debut against Ottawa.
Domi missed the beginning of camp with an injury he tweaked during offseason training, then once he was getting better had the unfortunate and tragic setback of dealing with the loss of his grandfather and the subsequent funeral; the cause for his absence yesterday.
Last season was a rough one for Domi, as he only put up 33 points in 74 games (8 goals, 25 assists) and never really found that extra gear though he did add seven points in the playoffs.
How the Leafs' Lines Shifted With Domi Back in the Mix
Well with the lineup being a more depth-based look at what Toronto can utilize this season, Domi had to get back on a line somewhere and trying to ease him back into things was the best way to go about it.
He's still one the second line in practice, and no doubt he'll be working hard, but there won't be and shouldn't be a ton of criticism towards a small error here and there.
But it is interesting to see Domi placed alongside Roy and Joshua, though that might have something to do with wanting to give the new guys someone who is familiar and comfortable with how things are run at practice.
We shouldn't expect these lines to stay concrete, and for sure Domi is going to get a look on the top line with Auston Matthews.
The only thing that matters right now though is that Domi is healthy enough both physically and mentally to come back and kick things off on the right foot.
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