Toronto Maple Leafs: Who Will be Their Playoff X-Factor?

Max Domi

Sure, Max Domi is not producing as much offense as many would like to see, but he still has 42 points in 75 games.

Not bad for a player who doesn't play on the team's top power-play unit. He has registered eight goals and 34 assists this season with an average of 13:43 minutes of ice time.
(All stats from hockey-reference.com)

Last season, during the playoffs with the Dallas Stars, Domi scored a lot, even if the Stars lost his minutes 5v5. He recorded three goals and ten assists for 13 points in 19 playoff games. Domi also had ten blocked shots and 11 hits in those 19 games.

The Leafs need players who can play well in the so-called "dirty areas," and Domi is one of those players.

Domi will fight and battle in front of the night, in the corners, and along the boards. He will drop the gloves and fight if he needs to. Domi does whatever it takes to win, and that attitude rubs off onto the rest of the team.

I think Domi will be a crucial player for the Leafs in the playoffs. He might not be the Leafs sole X-factor, but he will be one of them.

While the other team does what it can to limit players like Auston Matthews or William Nylander, it will be players like Domi will need to step up and produce. Hopefully, Domi will have a good playoff with the Leafs and get re-signed in the off-season.