The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Max Domi are deep in contract discussions, aiming to finalize an extension before the start of free agency on July 1. Domi, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Leafs in July 2023, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the beginning of July 2024. However, he has expressed a strong desire to remain with the team.
“I know my agent (Judd Moldaver) has been talking to (Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving), though I have to keep that discussion in-house,” Domi told Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun on June 9. “Whatever happens will happen, but I’ve still enjoyed every second as a Leaf. I’d love to come back; it’s a special organization, a special group of guys.”
The ongoing negotiations have garnered attention, with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting on June 12 that the Leafs are cautious about the length of the term Domi might request. “The one thing is, I know Domi wants some term,” Friedman said. “I think Max Domi is a perfect Leaf. He’s going to be happy to be here for a long time. I think Toronto is nervous of term. I think if they can find a term number that makes sense to both sides, then I think it happens.”
"I think Toronto is nervous of term."
– @FriedgeHNIC offered up the latest on pending UFAs Max Domi & Tyler Bertuzzi #LeafsForever @thegoldenmuzzy | @Jay_D_Rosehill
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— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) June 12, 2024
Leafs GM Treliving confirmed the franchise’s interest in re-signing Domi in an interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic on June 4 during the NHL combine. “It’s early in some of the processes. So you’re meeting on that. And obviously, the bulk of your time here is meeting with the kids for the combine,” Treliving said. “But it’s got to work for them [Leafs’ pending free agents, including Domi] and it’s got to work for us. We’ve got, certainly, some issues that we have to address on the roster. There’s a pie and there’s only so much to go around.”
Domi’s impact on the team has been significant. Over the past season, he scored 9 goals, provided 38 assists, and recorded 47 points in 80 regular-season games. His postseason performance included 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points in seven games. Despite these contributions, the Leafs’ salary cap situation poses a challenge. According to CapFriendly, the team will have nearly $19 million in cap space entering the offseason, but with only 16 players under contract, managing that cap space will be critical.
Domi also praised the Leafs’ new head coach, Craig Berube, who was officially hired on May 17. Berube, a Stanley Cup-winning coach, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. “I’ve known Chief [Berube’s nickname] through my dad,” Domi said. “He’s a great coach, great human being who holds guys accountable. And he’s won (a Stanley Cup). He played the game the right way for a long time and was the ultimate teammate.”
Berube’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Leafs, who have been striving to lift the Stanley Cup since their last victory in 1967. As the team gears up for another season, the potential re-signing of Domi will be a crucial step in solidifying their roster and pursuing their championship ambitions.
