Max Domi has been a liability for the Maple Leafs this season
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Max Domi has been pretty underwhelming thus far, but a closer look into his play shows that maybe Toronto would be better off sitting him for a game or two.
There's a lot of discussion about whether or not Max Domi fits into the Maple Leafs system given their hard-nosed and aggressive approach where defense is key, and constant pressure and forechecking is the name of the game.
What Max Domi's numbers really say about his season with the Maple Leafs so far
While he's given it his best effort, Domi hasn't necessarily brought the offense, defense, or aggression that Toronto needs of him, and his latest blunder cost the Maple Leafs on Thursday night.
Domi was doing just fine as the Leafs coughed the puck up in Columbus' zone, but he decided to skate backwards -- instantly getting outpaced by Adam Fantilli. His forward speed outmatches Domi's ability to accelerate backwards, and he was able to slip past him and eventually score the winner.
It's plays like those that don't necessarily stick out to the average viewer but a keen eye shows that's not NHL-level defense.
For a player who is supposed to bring offense he has six points in 21 games, and is projected to have only 24 points and a minus-43 according to Elite Prospects; and the team is paying Domi $3.75-million to what else exactly?
Maple Leafs Hot Stove contributor Anthony Petrielli commented in his post-game that Domi seems to only be sticking in the lineup thanks to some good luck:
Not only is Domi a team worse -11, but upon reviewing his performances, he has actively won his minutes by goals in just two games.
Domi didn't pick up a minus for the Fantilli goal in regulation, even though it was him and his line that were caved in on the shift leading to the goal sequence (Domi changed as the puck went up ice for the goal against).
Domi didn't pick up a minus for the Fantilli goal in regulation, even though it was him and his line that were caved in on the shift leading to the goal sequence (Domi changed as the puck went up ice for the goal against).
He's only been a minus-1 over his last five games which, while not great, is still a decent number considering how bad Domi has been. However, what he's doing on the ice is still leaving his teammates out to dry.
What the Maple Leafs can actually do about Max Domi's role right now
Whether it be a badly timed line change, a careless icing, or finding himself caught out of position -- Domi seems to do it all.
He seemed contrite in his comments after the game Thursday, telling The Sun's Lance Hornby:
You try a play like that, you have to make it. That's 100 per cent on me.
So what can the team actually do to get his head back in the game?
First things first, just sit him. There's nothing wrong with giving anyone a rest, and Domi needs one.
Toronto has a few people coming back from injury soon, and they could just as easily put Sammy Blais back in the lineup for him; just do something different.
They could also not use him in ANY high leverage situations and try to gain his offensive confidence against weaker opponents and it's perplexing why of all the players to defend the last minute of the game, he was asked to.
Columbus had Zach Werenski, Sean Monahan and Fantilli on the ice for the last minute, while Toronto countered with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Nick Robertson and Domi.
All credit due to Robertson for hustling back as best he could, and did the smarter thing by turning around to get full acceleration.
But you can't be putting Domi out against that level of talent and expect to get away with it, and they could have easily put Scott Laughton or even Jacob Quillan out there instead.
Both players are way better defensively, and with under a minute to go in the game, play it safe and try in a shootout where it's really anyone's game.
Right now, the team likely can't easily trade Domi because his stock has plummeted this season, so they are going to have to need him to pick it up again.
He has over 750 career games, and over 450 points -- there are no more excuses.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 22|1454 ANSWERS Max Domi has been a liability for the Maple Leafs this season Should Toronto at least sit Max Domi to give him a chance to reset? | ||
| Yes | 1193 | 82 % |
| No | 261 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||