3 Toronto Maple Leafs Destined for a Breakout Season in 2023-24
By Edward Eng
![Feb 18, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (37) shoots the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Feb 18, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (37) shoots the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/40d9496f49cd458b673612471806cb0895fad6b8b1053d3fb221a43fe45b4f91.jpg)
Max Domi
Being a former first round pick from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Max Domi has never appeared to reach his full potential, despite playing in over eight seasons in the league already.
Other than his one year back in 2018-19 with the Montreal Canadiens in which he put up 28 goals and 72 points, Domi hasn’t really been a huge difference maker for the teams that he has played with.
Then again, he has only played with the Arizona Coyotes, the Canadiens, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the defensively-focused Carolina Hurricanes, and the recently struggling Chicago Blackhawks.
It was not until he had his chance with the Dallas Stars last year after the trade deadline that he finally had the chance to show off his offensive potential, becoming a key impact player during their playoff run. In the playoffs Domi had 13 points in 19 games, which is great. However, Dallas also lost his minutes 5v5 both in Expected and Actual Results.
But he can now put all those past experiences behind him as he will now get to play with one of the best offensive teams in the league. Despite being pegged to begin the season on the third line, being a left-handed shot, he has the potential of being moved up to left wing on the top two lines whenever needed.
In addition, even if he remains on the third line, his elite playmaking abilities will allow him to prosper with the likes of Jarnkrok and potentially either Nick Robertson or Matthew Knies, as they all have a lethal scoring touch.
Mixed in with some added motivation coming from his dad Tie in being also the heart-and-soul with the Leafs team back then, look for Domi to have one of his best seasons of his career this year.