Earlier in the season, specifically in training camp, the Toronto Maple Leafs had some uncertainty with their second-line centre. For the last six or so seasons, John Tavares was in that role comfortably. However, as the years go on, things change. Tavares specifically, he’s getting older and doesn’t have the same legs he once had. The Leafs want the 34-year-old to have less of a straining workload. Transitioning the captaincy to Auston Matthews might have been a hint at that before the season started.
Going into the preseason, head coach Craig Berube wanted to try out a new experiment. That experiment was to try Leafs winger, William Nylander at centre. For the sake of offensive depth and Tavares’ age, it would be ideal if Toronto worked that out. However, after a couple of games in the preseason, Nylander’s time at centre expired. Therefore Berube moved him back to the wing where he plays his best hockey. Despite all this, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any other solutions for the Maple Leafs.
Domi Proving He’s the Man for the Job
Max Domi is now in his second season with the Maple Leafs, and he’s off to a stellar start in year two. Two games ago, the Leafs hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins Tavares was out of the lineup due to an illness. This left a big hole on the second line, waiting for someone to fill it. To start the game, Pontus Holmberg was given the opportunity to play the role of second-line centre. However, it’s a tough task going up against future Hall Of Famers such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Therefore, Berube made the change to move Domi up to the second line to begin the second period. Naturally, Domi assisted Nylander in their first shift together.
Given his great performance in Toronto’s win over Pittsburgh, Domi holds on to the second-line centre role. Despite Tavares being back for Wednesday’s win against the Los Angeles Kings, Domi was rewarded second-line minutes in this contest. In the end, it was a great decision by Berube as Domi’s line was dominant for most of the night. The 29-year-old finished the night with two assists. On top of that, he and his linemates, Nylander and Bobby McMann, were plus-3. That proves that his line is doing all the right things, offensively and defensively.
To add to the positive impact that Domi has had lately, he’s been consistent offensively. While it’s only been four games, Domi has been providing at a steady rate. He is the joint-leading scorer on the Leafs roster. He is tied with Mitch Marner with five points, Domi has only assists though.
A Great Deal For Both Sides
If this plays out the way the Maple Leafs and Domi want it to, both parties will be very pleased with the outcome. For Domi, this is a situation that will allow him to be the best player that he can be. Granted, there will be challenging nights for the former London Knight. He has a smaller frame compared to other centres around the league. But, there’s no denying that he can keep up with the best of them with his playmaking skills and tiptop passing ability.
If Domi can become the consistent and reliable centre that Toronto can rely on, then the team will be jumping for joy. Not only does this grant their wishes for depth up front, but it also means Domi is on a steal of a contract. Throughout the NHL, it’s typical for a second-line centre to make north of $5M AAV. However, this past offseason, Domi was signed to a new contract. He was signed to a four-year deal at an AAV of $3.75M.
If Domi can keep up his play and hold his role as the second-line centre, Toronto will look very scary on paper.
MAin Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
