Max Domi Facing Potential NHL Suspension After Controversial Reverse Hit Against the Islanders
The Toronto Maple Leafs' Max Domi may find himself with some additional punishment for a reverse hit he threw on New York's Joshua George.
Toronto kicked off their 2025 just as the ended 2024 with a win over the New York Islanders. It was another tough game where the Leafs came out on top thanks to two goals from Bobby McMann and another great performance from Joseph Woll.
But during the game, Max Domi ended up putting in a pretty heavy hit to New York's Joshua George and now might be facing the ire of the NHL Player Safety Department. Domi threw a reverse hit as George was flanking him, and responded before George had the chance to do anything to him.
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy was incensed and spoke with media after about Domi's actions:
Domi's comments on the matter speak like a true veteran who knows he may have gotten away with something sneakier than intended:
Max Domi's Punishment Could Be A Big Issue
Toronto can't afford to lose any players whether it be to injury, or suspensions. If Domi were to get anything more than a fine, it could be detrimental for the Maple Leafs' momentum going forward.
Being part of a revamped third line alongside McMann and Nick Robertson, Domi has been a sparkplug for the team. After only having six assists for the majority of the year, he's exploded for eight points in his last eight games bringing his season total to 14 points.
The Leafs may be without Domi if the NHL decides to hand out punishment, but given that the team already dealt with a similar incident earlier with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, however he was only fined $5,000 for his actions.
Toronto can only hope the same is given to Domi as the team faces a tough January schedule. They play back to back on Saturday and Sunday against Boston and Philadelphia, but face Carolina, Vancouver, Dallas, New Jersey, Tampa Bay and Minnesota throughout the month in a crucial month.
The NHL may have a bit of a vendetta against the Maple Leafs however the league also needs to follow their own precedents. Domi has the potential to be suspended and if he is, the potential for a momentum stopping loss grows greater for the team.
