Toronto Maple Leafs UFA Options for Increased Secondary Scoring

Toronto Maple Leafs Secondary Scoring Options

Max Domi

Max Domi is the son of the famed Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Tie Domi.

Last season, Domi registered 20 goals, and 36 assists for 56 points in 80 games. These numbers are slightly inflated by playing on the powerplay in Chicago with Patrick Kane.  He wouldn’t get first-unit PP minutes with the Leafs.

Domi’s 5v5 scoring with the Blackhawks was 1.9 points per 60, which is decent second-line scoring.  Concerningly, when he left Chicago and Patrick Kane, he scored only .89 per 60 which is 4th line scoring.

On the positive side, Domi scored at a first line rate with Dallas in the playoffs. He also had three goals and ten assists for 13 points in 19 playoff games this year. (All stats from either naturalstattrick.com or from hockey-reference.com).

In the regular season Domi averaged 17:46 minutes of ice time, and had 65 takeaways compared to 51 giveaways. Once he came to Dallas, his XGoals rating rose above 50% and he was winning his minutes.

He also won his minutes when he was on Carolina last year, but for the rest of his career, Domi has been relegated to playing on bad teams.  What we do know is that while he might not drive play, he is an excellent secondary player.

Domi is coming off of a one-year deal worth $3 million. He is likely looking for a pay increase and a long-term contract. His asking price will likely be between $4.5 million to $5 million on a three to five-year deal. That price tag will not work for the Leafs, but if he can be had cheaper, he could be a nice add for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)

There is no doubt Domi can score, and while he’ll never be a great defensive player, with the right deployment he can win his minutes. Coupled with his scoring touch and aggressive play, he can be a useful player.