Max Domi and the Toronto Maple Leafs: latest update and it's major

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Graham Montgomery
June 27, 2024 (9:34 PM)

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UPDATE: Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving appears to be indecisive with pending free agent center Max Domi.

Leafs fans have likely been wondering about the team's plans for pending free agent forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. Brad Treliving brought both players in on one-year deals last summer, creating a lot of uncertainty about how the lineup will look in the future.

Now it appears as though we have some clarity with regards to Tyler Bertuzzi. NHL insider Chris Johnston is reporting that the 29-year-old will be hitting the open market on July 1st. However, it appears as though the Leafs may still be negotiating with Max Domi.

"It sounds like Tyler Bertuzzi is likely to test the market at this point. Not totally clear on Max Domi, there are some mixed signals there. Domi is a pending UFA, naturally liked his time in Toronto, and has a long history with the organization. I don't know if the contract talks have gotten anywhere to compel him to stay. He's looking for some security right, I think it would take a 3-4 year deal minimum to compel him to sign before July 1st."

From all indications, it seems as though Domi would like to stay in Toronto. The center has been quite vocal about his love for the organization, and has been on the record saying that he would like to stay. Now it seems like he is even willing to take a shorter contract with a smaller cap hit in order to stay. This is coming from Elliotte Friedman on the Jeff Marek show. However, it also sounds like Brad Treliving is still not sure how he feels about re-signing Domi.

Friedman on Max Domi (TJMS): "I know there were reports initially it would have to be 5x5, I don't think that's the case right now, I've heard the ask is in the 4x4 range, which doesn't strike me as incredibly unreasonable, again I think the Leafs are trying to be really careful"

This is a rather odd move for the general manager, as many would think re-signing Domi should be a slam dunk. He showed a lot of chemistry with the Leafs top players and was one of their best performers in the playoffs. Furthermore, he showed a lot of character and grit, which the team has lacked in years past. Finally, it would be a feel-good story to bring him back, given his dad's tenure with the Leafs. One must wonder what is holding Treliving back from a 4x4 extension.

Source: HockeyFeed
Report: Domi has come way down in asking price on contract from Leafs