It has been reported by the Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan that the Montreal Canadiens forward Max Domi has fired his agent, Pat Brisson. According to Brisson, it indicates that Domi will no longer be on the Montreal roster. He is a restricted free agent ending a two-year deal worth $3.15 million AAV.
Max Domi Lets His Agent Go
Pat Brisson, is a longtime close friend of Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin. If Brisson’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was formerly Max Pacioretty‘s agent before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Pacioretty hired Allan Walsh who promptly secured a four-year $28 million deal for him. Walsh is also Jonathan Drouin‘s agent. Drouin and Domi are close friends. Whether that influences Domi to secure Walsh’s services is yet to be determined.
This Pretty Well Means Max Domi is Signing Elsewhere
After the fiery forward was traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Canadiens for Alex Galchenyuk, he had a terrific season. He tallied 28 goals and 44 assists in 82 games. Then, this past season he and Bergevin didn’t see eye-to-eye. Domi is set on being anything but a fourth-liner and wants to play centre. With the Habs being set with Phillip Danault, Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi at center ice, the prospects of Domi cracking that spot seem remote… at best. Domi’s production faltered to 17 goals and 27 assists in 71 games this season.
This is what Julien had to say about Domi after the Canadiens were eliminated from the playoffs: “I think Max came in in his first year and was really excited to be in Montreal and I thought that excitement carried him through the first season, there’s no doubt there. We, as an organization, like him better as a centreman. I think the fact that he’s a good skater, that he can move around suits him much better (at centre)”.
Now, with him letting his agent go, all signs lead to Max Domi being traded or testing the free agency market at season’s end. There may be a list of teams interested in his services including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
More Speculation
More speculation that Domi is severing ties to the Canadiens came when he removed references to the team on his social media profiles. While that is not clear proof that Domi feels he’s played his last game on the Montreal roster, it sure doesn’t sound like he intends to stay with the club. The above-mentioned teams could certainly use his skills in more than a fourth-line role.
Changing Agents Signifies a Player Wants a Change
It’s no secret that Max Domi feels he’s more than a fourth-line forward. He wants to be more of a second-line centre. And, while his defence is a bit suspect, he makes up for it with his speed and tenacity. His forechecking forces turnovers. And we all know that means your team is playing puck possession, which is the main ingredient to scoring.
Whether Domi is traded or tests the free agency route, it’s strictly up to him. He’s in charge of his career moves and changing agents was his choice. He felt that his career progress was being impeded by his head coach and agent. That is something every player takes very seriously. While Domi seemed to enjoy his experience in Montreal, it’s clear he feels he’s overstayed his welcome. It’s now time to move on with his career objectives.
We’ll Soon Know His Decision
As the playoffs wind down with the second round near completion, Domi’s fate will become clearer. Right now he wants a fresh start and hiring a new agent signifies he’s ready for that to happen. This young man is a talented hockey player who has a challenge being a Type-1 diabetic, but he doesn’t allow it to constrict or control his life.
The biggest questions will be has Max consulted with his specially trained diabetic detection dog, Orion? Or, is this just up to Max?
*** UPDATE: Per John Shannon at Sportsnet.ca:
Darren Ferris confirms that he now represents Montreal’s Max Domi.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) September 1, 2020
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