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Edit: Drafted 12th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes.
Max Domi is the son of former NHL tough guy Tie Domi, but you wouldn’t know it watching the younger Domi on the ice. Domi is an offensive dynamo who centred the first line, and led the London Knights in points. Domi’s offensive contribution played a huge part in helping London to set records for consecutive wins, and to finish 1st overall in the OHL this season. The Knights are currently involved in the OHL playoffs where they are taking on Plymouth in the OHL’s Western Conference Final.
As a 16 year old, Domi also had a major role, and played top 6 minutes and powerplay time for London as the won the OHL title.
He’s also made big contributions at the international level. Domi played on Team Ontario in the 2012 Under 17 Challenge. He was also a member of Team Canada at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka (under 18) Tournament last August, winning a gold medal in the process.
It hasn’t all been easy for Domi though, as he’s shown a lot of character in fighting and working hard despite a diagnosis of diabetes. The disease has helped Domi develop a very healthy diet, and his understanding of this is probably better than a lot of prospects his age.
Center
Born — Toronto, ONT
Height 5.10 — Weight 184 — Shoots Left
February Rank 16
Domi He has excellent hockey sense and is able to find openings in the offensive zone to unleash a quick and accurate wrist shot. His release is top notch and often fools opposing goaltenders. Domi drives the net and has great hands in tight allowing him to score goals in a number of ways. Domi also has has great anticipation and a great first step which sees him pounce on a ton of loose pucks around the net. He is extremely dangerous with the puck as Domi can beat defenders one on one. He also has excellent vision and passing ability which he uses to create openings for his teammates. Domi was voted the 2nd best playmaker in the OHL’s Western Conference in a recent coaches poll.
Domi is an elite skater who uses his shiftiness and changes of pace to confuse and beat defenders. He has a great first step and top notch acceleration. His top end speed is also well above average, and these skills make Domi a real threat off the rush. His edgework and agility is extremely good, and Domi maintains a low centre of gravity which makes him very difficult to knock off the puck, despite his small size. Domi uses this great balance to win far more board battles and be far more dangerous on the cycle than you’d expect from someone his size. He has a very strong, very powerful lower body.
As should be expected from most players coming out of the Hunter school, and playing for the London Knights, Domi has worked hard over the last two years to develop a defensive game. When he entered the OHL he looked lost in the defensive zone, but Domi has become a lot more effective defensively. He gets back hard and brings good back pressure off the rush. He also works hard down low, helping to contain the cycle despite his size.
Domi does have some aspects of his father’s game though, as he is often right in the middle of scrums, no matter which zone they occur in. He has developed a reputation for getting under his opponents skin, and can be quite the agitator.
In terms of playing style Domi is a hard player to classify. At times there is a bit of Brad Marchand to his game, in that he can be a real pest with offensive skill. At other times he can show off a bit of Sidney Crosby-lite working down low and controlling the puck off the cycle. At other times we see a bit of Claude Giroux in his game. Its really a bit of a mixture of the three offensively. Remember that those are stylistic comparisons and not potential. In terms of potential, Domi can be a top 6 forward bringing his offensive game to the NHL. He could top out as a first line centre, but its more likely he would turn into a top notch 2nd liner. A move to wing also wouldn’t be out of the question due to his size.
Check back tomorrow for our number 14 prospect.
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