Max Domi
Finally, we have one of the Leafs key signings this past offseason in Max Domi. Inked to a four-year extension worth $15 million, Domi was expected to take on a bigger role this season in contributing to the Leafs offensive attack. Especially after how he came alive during the second half of the 2023-24 season when he put up 4 goals, 18 assists for 22 points with a whopping 62 shots on goal in his final 28 games while averaging just over 15 minutes of ice time.
However, Domi has been the biggest disappointment for the Leafs so far this season given what they were expecting to get out of him after signing the huge deal.
In 18 games thus far, he has managed just 6 assists on 23 shots on goal while averaging similar to the ice time that he received from last season. On track for less than 30 points for the year, that would represent his lowest offensive production ever in his NHL career, excluding the COVID-shortened schedule during the 2020-21 season. (All stats from hockey-reference.com and naturalstattrick.com and all salaries from PuckPedia.com)
The most worrisome factor is the fact that Domi hasn’t been limited to playing just in the bottom-six, as he has seen ample time with the top-six, especially in recent games with Matthews sidelined with an upper body injury. However, somehow that has not made any difference for Domi, as he has been held pointless in his last 12 games while often being invisible at times.
With an annual salary hit of $3.75 million, that kind of output is just not good enough for a Leafs squad counting on him to help supplement their offense this season. As a result, Domi will need to start producing more before he becomes a potential trade candidate or buyout option down the road.