Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is willing to make an impact regardless of where he is slotted in the lineup.
Domi had missed the first bit of training camp due to suffering a lower-body injury, but was able to get his first reps on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the non-game group practice. Barring any setbacks, there is a decent chance he will be able to make his preseason debut on the top line on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.
Whether he indeed ends up on the top line or not, Domi is eager to contribute wherever he gets put in the lineup.
“There’s open spots everywhere. Doesn’t matter where you play, you’ve got to go out and do your best,” he said to reporters after practice. “So whatever I’m asked to do, I’ll be ready to play in that position.”
Head coach Craig Berube had envisioned Domi being the person to fill the void left behind by Mitch Marner to begin the season, but the aforementioned ailment resulted in Matias Maccelli getting a chance in Tuesday’s preseason tilt against the Ottawa Senators. Maccelli made the most of his chance by recording two assists, one of which was off a goal from Matthews.
For Domi to secure that spot without any doubts, Berube wants to see the forward use his shot and stay disciplined.
“There’s some things, like the penalties, he’s got to be more disciplined in situations. He likes to look after his teammates, and probably goes overboard at times. But it’s for a good reason. But I get it, penalties,” Berube said. “And I’ve always talked to Max about using his shot more. In my opinion, he can score more goals if he looked to shoot a bit more. I thought he made a conscious effort last year towards the end of the year and into the playoffs, where he was shooting the puck more. And I think if he’s a little more direct that way — shooting the puck more, getting to the inside, and using his shot, he’s got a good shot — I think that is a good season for him.”
When Domi was asked about whether he believes he needs to start shooting pucks more, he said he wanted to keep the conversation between himself and his coach. He did, however, highlight that Berube wants what’s best for each player to make them feel part of the solution and acknowledged that he will try and shoot more.
Whether he gets into a preseason game on Saturday or down the line, Domi is itching to get his third season as a Leaf rolling.
“You still get the same nerves for training camp. You still get the same little jitters and anxiety that come with it, but you’re still a kid, man,” he said. “You still feel like you’re a kid growing up, and as I’ve always said, from the time I signed here, it’s been my childhood dream to play here, so you just empty the tank every single day and whatever it takes to help the team win.”
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