The Toronto Maple Leafs had some doubts about their second-line centre early in the season, particularly during training camp. John Tavares has been in that position with ease for the past six or so seasons. But things change as the years pass. In particular, Tavares is becoming older and losing his leg strength. The 34-year-old’s workload should be less taxing, according to the Leafs.Before the season began, giving Austin Matthews the captaincy could have been a clue.
Head coach Craig Berube wanted to try something different before the season began.William Nylander, a winger for the Leafs, was to be tried at centre in that experiment. If Toronto could work that out, it would be great for Tavares’ age and offensive depth. Nylander’s tenure at centre, however, ended after a few preseason games. He plays his best hockey on the wing, so Berube moved him back there. All of this does not preclude the possibility of alternative alternatives for the Maple Leafs.
Domi Proving He’s the Man for the Job
Now in his second season with the Maple Leafs, Max Domi is having an incredible start to the season. The Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Leafs two games ago.Tavares’ illness kept him out of the starting lineup. The second line now has a large hole that needs to be filled. Pontus Holmberg was given the chance to play second-line centre to begin the game. But facing future Hall of Famers like Sidney Crosby and Eugeni Malkin is a difficult challenge. In order to start the second period, Berube decided to shift Domi up to the second line. Domi, of course, helped Nylander on their first shift together.
Domi continues to play second-line centre because of his outstanding performance in Toronto’s victory over Pittsburgh. Domi received second-line minutes in this game even though Tavares returned for Wednesday’s victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Ultimately, Berube made a wise choice because Domi’s line dominated the most of the evening. The 29-year-old had two assists by the end of the evening. Additionally, he was plus-3 along with Nylander and Bobby McMann, his linemates. That demonstrates that his line is playing both offensively and defensively in the proper manner.
Domi’s offensive consistency has contributed to his recent good influence. Even though there have only been four games, Domi has been contributing consistently. On the Leafs roster, he is the team’s top scorer. With five points, he and Mitch Marner are tied; however, Domi has only provided assists.
A Great Deal For Both Sides
Both the Maple Leafs and Domi will be extremely happy with the result if all goes as planned. This is a scenario that will enable Domi to play at his highest level. The former London Knight will undoubtedly have difficult nights. In comparison to other centres in the league, he is smaller. However, his playmaking abilities and skilful passing make it clear that he can compete with the best of them.
The team will be ecstatic if Domi can establish himself as Toronto’s dependable and consistent centre. This not only satisfies their desire for depth up front, but it also means Domi has a great deal. In the NHL, a second-line centre typically earns more than $5 million annually. However, Domi got a new contract this past summer. He agreed to a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.
On paper, Toronto will appear quite formidable if Domi can maintain his play and his position as the second-line centre.
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