The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to need players throughout their lineup to step up this season if they will be expected to maintain competitiveness without Mitch Marner.
One of those players is forward Max Domi. The 30 year old son of Maple Leafs legend Tie Domi has had an up and down tenure in Toronto, struggling to find consistency bouncing around the lineup.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube made it a point in an interview with The Athletic that his Toronto squad will need more from him this season for the sake of the club’s success.
What did Berube have to say about Domi?
Of note in his statement, Berube said Domi needs a “change in mindset” in this approaching campaign. Berube mentioned Domi’s physical nature and how sometimes that gets in the way of the rest of his game.
It makes sense for Berube to raise the standards expected out of Domi. He does not just want him to be a role player. Domi is a talented offensive threat who has produced as much as 72 points in his career, a feat he achieved with the rival Montreal Canadiens in the 2018-2019 season.
Domi will likely get plenty of reps in the Leafs top 6 this year. He will have the chance to play with players such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Matthew Knies among others. If the Leafs are to entrust Domi on a night by night basis in their top 6, Max will have to find more balance in his attack. He will need to find more production than the 8 goals and 25 assists he accumulated last year.
We’ll see if Domi can adapt his game during this season as he will likely be tasked with an increased role. If not, there are enough players on the team waiting in the wings.
